The child care center under investigation issues a statement

CROSS LANES, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A child care center closed after an employee was arrested has released a statement.

Cross Lanes Child Care & Learning Center has been closed for nearly a week as state and local officials investigate what they call serious allegations of abuse.

The statement said: “We fully acknowledge and share the concerns of parents and the community regarding the recent allegations involving an employee at our facility. Ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in our care has always been our highest priority. We sincerely apologize to the affected parents and share their anger and concern for your child’s safety.

According to West Virginia state law (§49-2-803), all employees are required to report any suspected abuse directly to the Department of Human Services or law enforcement within 24 hours, without relying on a supervisor or intermediate. Notifying only a supervisor does not satisfy the employee’s obligation to report under the law. Our staff receive full training to ensure strict adherence to these standards, and we are deeply disappointed that some former and current employees may not have followed these critical protocols. We are conducting internal interviews to thoroughly assess the situation and are working in full cooperation with the West Virginia Department of Human Services to understand the circumstances surrounding these allegations.

We recognize the disruption our closure has caused, particularly given the limited child care options available in our community, and we are aware of the additional burden this place places on families in our area.”

Amber Elizabeth Seiler, of Kenova, was charged with felony assault and battery on a disabled child, along with two separate counts of assault on a boy and a girl without special needs.

Court documents claim a co-worker says she saw Seiler punch a special needs girl in the mouth and yell at the girl while she slept.

The same co-worker also told investigators that Seiler also hit another child, a boy, and spat on a second girl.

The state Department of Human Services says it opened an investigation Friday and notified the facility Sunday it will not be allowed to serve any children at this time.