Wave Children’s Learning Center Closure Linked to Insurance Issues and Allegations of Child Abuse
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In a shocking turn of events for the local community, the Wave Children’s Learning Center, located in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach, is set to permanently close its doors on Friday. This closure follows the unexpected decision by its long-time insurance provider to discontinue coverage, a move that has raised questions about the center’s operational future. Compounding these challenges are serious allegations against the center, including a felony child abuse charge against an employee and a previous settlement reached with a family over alleged incidents of misconduct.
Insurance Provider’s Decision Shocks Learning Center Staff and Families
In an official statement, the Wave Children’s Learning Center expressed its dismay at being dropped by their insurer. According to the center, Virginia law mandates that childcare facilities carry insurance, thereby forcing the center to shut down due to the lack of available coverage following a recent claim. The statement revealed that despite being a loyal customer for decades, the insurer’s decision was unexpected, leading to a frantic search for alternatives that ultimately proved futile.
The Wave Children’s Learning Center will permanently close on May 30th, 2025. We know this sudden and painful announcement is jarring to the families we know and love and to our staff members who mean the world to us.
Our long-time insurer notified us that they would no longer insure the learning center, requiring us to find coverage. We were shocked, as we have been with the carrier for multiple decades. The decision to drop our insurance was based on a recent claim filed by the center.
Since learning of the decision, we have worked tirelessly to find another provider, but to no avail. We genuinely believed we could find a solution without alarming anyone.
We will do everything in our power to limit the impact on families and our staff. Over the years, we’ve created a nurturing environment where children could grow and learn. Words can’t express our disappointment in having to close this beloved center.
Wave Children’s Learning Center
The center did not disclose specific details regarding the recent claim, leaving families and the community in a precarious position regarding the future of childcare services in the area.
Legal Troubles Surface Amid Allegations
Amid the insurance turmoil, alarming allegations have surfaced regarding an incident involving Jhamica Jackson, a 30-year-old teacher employed at the center. Court records reveal that a compromise settlement was reached on April 17 between the parents of a child and both Wave Church Inc. and Wave Children’s Learning Centers LLC, which stemmed from a civil lawsuit filed shortly prior.
The civil matter implicates Jackson in an incident where a child sustained a broken clavicle after being handled improperly. On October 9, the child was brought to CHKD, where medical professionals confirmed the injury. Alarmingly, the parents assert that their child was entirely healthy when dropped off at daycare the previous day.
Furthermore, surveillance footage from the center allegedly shows Jackson mishandling the child by lifting her incorrectly from a bouncer, inciting immediate distress. Jackson was arrested in December and faces felony child abuse charges as a result.
Inspection Records Uncover Disturbing Patterns
Following news of the impending closure, local news outlet WTKR News 3 delved into the center’s inspection records from the Virginia Department of Social Services, revealing a troubling history. Between 2020 and recent inspections, officials noted violations in five out of nine inspections conducted.
Documented Incidents of Rough Handling
Among the troubling incidents described in inspection reports, one aligns with the allegations against Jackson. The report dated October 8 captures an instance of an employee allegedly handling a child in a rough manner, as described by witnesses. The actions of this employee included abruptly pulling an infant from a bouncer seat, which resulted in the child experiencing distress.
Inappropriate Actions Related to Child Care
An additional report involved a separate incident where an employee, aware of a 15-month-old child’s struggle with constipation, engaged in inappropriate methods to relieve the issue. This incident was alarming enough to prompt self-reporting by the center. Though four other employees were cognizant of the actions being taken, very few took immediate action to report the misconduct.
Notably, the staff member responsible for the inappropriate actions, along with another individual who had previously engaged in similar behavior, faced termination. Employees who failed to report the situation underwent additional training to reinforce proper childcare protocols.
Multiple Violations Over a Short Period
An inspection conducted in September 2023 uncovered troubling evidence of “forbidden actions,” as recorded in video surveillance. Notably, incidents recorded over two days revealed multiple instances of employees roughly handling children, leading to significant concerns from regulatory bodies.
In one particularly troubling episode, an employee grabbed an 11-month-old child by the arm and lifted the infant from the ground, resulting in a fall onto the mat. In another recorded incident, an employee swung a child around forcefully, placing them abruptly on the floor several feet away.
In light of these reports, the center indicated they would enhance staff training focused on appropriate methods for lifting and caring for children, but the damage to their reputation remained considerable.
Community Reactions and Future Implications
As the community grapples with the closure, local families express deep concern over the future of suitable childcare options in Virginia Beach. With various families relying on the center for care, the closure leaves many seeking alternative arrangements during an already challenging time.
Experts emphasize the importance of reliable childcare services not merely for families but also for the well-being of children, who thrive in nurturing environments. As WTKR News 3 continues to monitor the fallout from this developing situation, they have reached out to Wave for clarification on whether past violations influenced the decision to close the center.
Community Trust at Stake
This situation underscores the intricate balance that childcare facilities must maintain between providing care and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. As additional developments arise, families are keenly interested in how the closure will impact local childcare dynamics and the steps the community can take to prioritize safety in future endeavors.
WTKR News 3 will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the closure of Wave Children’s Learning Center and its implications for the community.