VIRGINIA BEACH — The Wave Children’s Learning Center has officially closed its doors following the loss of insurance coverage, which is mandated by state law for day care facilities. The situation unfolded after the day care’s insurer decided to discontinue their coverage, prompting efforts by the staff to find an alternative provider that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
In a heartfelt statement, church leaders expressed their deep regret over the abrupt closure, acknowledging the impact on both families and staff. They detailed that the loss of insurance was linked to a recent claim, which had resulted in an investigation by the Virginia Department of Social Services. This investigation began last fall due to complaints regarding “rough handling” of children, and it confirmed that the center had not adhered to state standards.
A report indicated several concerning incidents, including one involving a staff member who improperly handled a 7-month-old infant, resulting in injury. Consequently, the staff member was terminated following a corrective action plan implemented by the day care. Another troubling incident involved inappropriate methods used by staff to address a child’s constipation, which was not promptly reported to supervisors.
Despite these challenges, church leaders emphasized their commitment to creating a nurturing environment for children over the years. They expressed disappointment at the need to close the center, reiterating the affection and care felt for the families they served.
While the closure marks the end of an era, it opens the door for hope that the community can learn from this experience, ensuring that safety and compliance are prioritized in future child care provisions. As the Wave Church reflects on the past, there is optimism that this challenging situation will lead to greater awareness and improvements in child care standards moving forward.