Newspaper: DHS Closes Grove Childcare Center Citing Allegations Over Melatonin Misuse

Thursday, March 20th 2014, 1:24 pm

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services ordered a Grove childcare center closed, according to The Grove Sun.

The newspaper reports Wee Little Lambs Christian Childcare and Learning Center at 112 10th Street was closed Wednesday evening. The newspaper reports one or more people have alleged children at the childcare center have received melatonin - a natural sleep aid supplement - without parent's permission.

A sign posted on the door of the facility stated:

"We are currently closed. The Department of Human services has issued a notice to be closed until further notice. We hope this is quickly resolved and we are so sorry for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 918-801-5172."

Read The Letter To The Parents

The daycare center's web page says the center is certified by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services as a 3-star facility. It states Judy DeVore is the owner.

The newspaper says DeVore's attorney, Winston Connor, believes the action taken by DHS officials on Wednesday was "vindictive retaliation" by Delaware County caseworkers.

According to Department of Human Services online records, the center was last visited by the agency on December 17, 2013. It states there were no non-compliance issues observed.

Read The Emergency Closure Notice

DHS records show the center has a capacity of 82 children.

The newspaper reports the childcare center has been voted "Best of the Best" in the Grove Sun's reader's choice awards every year since 2009, including this year.