Virginia Beach parents are facing a challenging situation as Wave Children’s Learning Center announced it will permanently close effective June 1, 2025, leaving families with little time to find new daycare options. This sudden news comes after the center’s long-time insurer decided to withdraw coverage, a necessary requirement under Virginia law for daycare facilities.
The announcement has left many parents scrambling, as they learned of the closure just two days ahead of the termination. Numerous families are now urgently seeking alternative care for their children, with some already reaching out to nearby learning centers. One father, who manages two children enrolled at Wave, shared his experience of finding a spot for one of his kids at the Goddard School but not for his younger child.
The decision to close the center follows an investigation by the Virginia Department of Social Services after a complaint regarding employee conduct concerning a child. Previous reports indicated that as part of the corrective actions, staff training was enhanced around the safe handling of children. Although the investigation’s conclusions were drawn in late February, it remains uncertain if it directly factors into the current decision to close.
Wave’s administration expressed deep sadness over the closure, highlighting their commitment to creating a nurturing environment for children over the years. They noted their attempts to stave off closure by seeking new insurance options, a challenge made particularly difficult due to the current volatility in the insurance market.
In their message to parents, the learning center extended heartfelt apologies and pledged to refund registration fees for the upcoming year while providing resources for other childcare options. Despite the upheaval, the center’s staff reaffirmed their dedication to assisting families during this transition.
The situation highlights the dire need for accessible and reliable childcare services, particularly as many families juggle work and parenting responsibilities. While the closure comes as a shock, it serves as a clarion call for parents to advocate for better regulations and resources in the childcare sector moving forward.