Charleston, W.Va. – Acting Cabinet Secretary Mary Jane Pickens announced today that a new operator has been selected to administer the West Virginia Capitol Day Care Center. Discovery Kingdom Child Care of Charleston, WV, was the successful vendor in the Request for Proposals, which was released on August 19, 2016. A total of four proposals were received for consideration.
“The Department of Administration is pleased to provide the assurance to parents and children at the West Virginia Capitol Day Care Center that this facility will not only continue to operate, but will grow with the educational programs offered by this established child care operation,” said Secretary Pickens.
Discovery Kingdom Child Care currently operates a child care center in Charleston, with more than 100 children enrolled. As stated in their proposal, its business plan is centered around “quality child care with great emphasis on safety and security, cleanliness and hygiene, meals (CACFP) & FDA regs., credentialed staff, curriculum and environment, staff development, and parent and community involvement.”
“Our desire is to provide a safe, healthy and educationally sound environment,” said Tamra Protan, director of Discovery Kingdom Child Care. “We will offer developmentally appropriate activities for each age group that promote emotional, social, physical and intellectual development all within an environment that respects the individual differences of children and their parents.”
Kanawha County Schools provided notification to the Department on August 11, 2016, that it will no longer operate the facility after December 2, 2016. The Department will coordinate a smooth transition between Kanawha County Schools and the new administrator, Discovery Kingdom Child Care, for the children and parents. The effective date of the new administrator will be determined during the transition phase; however, it will be no later than December 2, 2016.