SCRANTON — The state Department of Human Services on Friday shut down an early childhood daycare and education center in West Scranton for suspected failing to report child abuse, according to authorities.
The enforcement actions occurred Friday around 3 p.m. at Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center at 1228 St. Ann St. A few Scranton police officers and at least two marked Scranton police vehicles, as well other personnel who appeared to be law enforcement officials, were still on the scene at the center around 3:30 p.m.
Officials gather outside the Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center at 1228 St. Ann St. in Scranton on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO).
The state Department of Human Services determined that conditions at the center “constitute incompetence, negligence, misconduct in operating the facility or agency, a mistreatment or abuse of clients, likely to constitute immediate and serious danger to the life or health of the children in care,” according to an emergency removal order dated Oct. 3, 2025.
The department investigated from Sept. 9 to Oct. 2 and determined that an incident in April involved one staffer spanking a child, pulling the child’s hair, hitting the youth on the head with a bottle and tossing the child to the floor; and another staffer saw some of these actions and told a different staffer; the owners/operators also were told and video surveillance was reviewed; but the incidents allegedly were not reported to the state as mandated by the Child Protective Services Law.
A notice to parents issued by the state agency on Friday said the shutdown order was based upon a determination that the Learn and Grow center “failed to comply with the department’s regulations for operation of a child care facility.”
This notice advised parents the center would not be open after Friday and urged them to make other child care arrangements immediately; and provided a list of other child care programs in the county.
Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center described itself on its Facebook page as a daycare and early learning center offering care for children 6 weeks through 12 years old, preschool and pre-K. A person answering the phone there Friday said they were not disclosing any information and hung up on the call.
Ali Fogarty, communications director of the state Department of Human Services, said in a statement: “The Department of Human Services (DHS) takes the safety of all individuals in licensed child care facilities seriously, and we work to ensure that any allegations and potential violations that put people at risk are investigated and handled urgently. DHS issued an Emergency Removal Order to Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center on October 3 due to regulatory violations regarding failure to report child abuse and issues stemming from that incident, among others. This was shared with parents, as well as information about the Early Learning Resource Center of Lackawanna to help begin connections to alternate options for care. Parents who are impacted can contact the Early Learning Resource Center of Lackawanna at 570-468-8144 to discuss options for their child or children.”
The Scranton Police Department and Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office also are investigating, Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said.
“The state found them in violation and has revoked their license to operate effective immediately. A corresponding criminal investigation has been underway,” with charges expected to be filed Monday, Gallagher said.
Stressed, concerned parents
Following Friday’s announcement, parents took to Facebook expressing concern about finding childcare for their children on such a tight timeline.
Parent Stephanie Griffin said parents are concerned about finding another source of daycare after the closure.
“This is a very stressful situation. I have been a part of the Learn and Grow community for the last 11 years. Two of my children graduated from there and my third child just started the baby room in September,” she said in a message. “I have a great relationship with the owners and a lot of the workers there. I am shocked to hear the news. I don’t want to believe it.”
She finds it daunting to seek a new child care center after using the same one for over a decade.
“We have to take time off of work and call places Monday morning to see who is accepting new enrollments in such short notice,” Griffin said.
Amanda Rogan, owner of the Early Explorers Child Care Center, responded with a Facebook post reading, “West Scranton parents! Need child care? We have limited spots open right now.”
“We have had a lot of requests since yesterday and are going to try to accommodate as many parents and children as we can with our availability can,” she said in a message to a reporter.
Staff Writer Geri Gibbons contributed to this report.
Two Scranton Police SUVs are parked outside the Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center at 1228 St. Ann St. in Scranton on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO).
Originally Published: October 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM EDT