Happy Face Learning Center in McMurray Ordered to Close

A state Department of Public Welfare spokeswoman on Wednesday said the Happy Face Learning Center in McMurray was one of three owner Adele Lehew Wood was ordered to close indefinitely.

Anne Bale said a near drowning at a planned camp event at the Four Seasons Campground in West Finley Township last week prompted the order on Tuesday.

Bale said about 18 children were swimming in a pool that had no lifeguard on duty—and that three to four staff members were supervising the camp at the time the youngster began drowning.

While the spokeswoman added there was a “swim at your own risk” sign there, that Happy Face, which operates a facility on Washington Road, “didn’t have a plan of supervision.”

“The staff wasn’t even aware of the incident as it was taking place,” Bale said. “It was a child who saved the other child (who nearly drowned).”

She said that Wood has the right to appeal to the department, which is “the only way it would reopen.”

Reached Thursday afternoon, a woman who identified herself as the daughter of owner Adele Lehew Wood, said she had no comment.

A message left for Wood was not immediately returned Thursday afternoon.

Editor’s Note: Check back to Patch for updates. And parents of youngsters enrolled at Happy Face: Please feel free to contact editor Andrea Bosco at 724-249-7697 or andrea.bosco@patch.com.