EYNON -- The state wants to shut down a day care center in Lackawanna County that's been around for 38 years.
Parents are crying foul, calling the Department of Human Services heavy-handed and unfair.
State inspectors have found several violations at Andrea Vladika's home day care center in the past three years, but parents of the kids cared for at her house in Eynon say these violations should not put her out of business.
Over the past four decades, operating her day care center from her home in Eynon, Andrea Vladika has cared for hundreds of children.
"They're not just a paycheck. They're not a job. They're family," said Vladika.
The family business took a hit two years ago A state inspection found violations that included she did not have valid first aid training for any staff.
The business was warned. Vladika was now operating on a provisional or probationary license.
A 2015 inspection found her facility had 15 mixed-aged children. She was supposed to only have 12.
In December, the state revoked her license.
"I cried. I literally cried for days," Vladika said.
Vladika says she appealed, but this February, another state inspection found the (rear) exit door was locked.
Her response: "One of my children locked it."
"I'm just confused as to what could possibly be going on as to why they'd want to close that down," said Rich Ainey of Eynon.
"I was absolutely appalled that somebody who has been in business for so long, and takes such good care of the children up there, that they could possibly be closing," said Jessup resident Brittani Fenton.
Fenton and other parents believe the care their kids receive far outweighs the inspection violations. They promise to fight for the day care center operator they regard as family.
"She was there for my wedding. She was there for my son's christening. She was there for my son's birthday party," said Fenton.
Parents are confident they will be able to find other day care for their children, but they're concerned they won't find a place that provides the same kind of family atmosphere as this does.
"It's just not going to be the same," said Ainey.
Unless something changes, Andrea Vladika will be forced to close her doors in two weeks -- September 28 -- after running a home day care center for 38 years.
"I just can't wrap my head around the fact that they're taking my license away," Vladika said.
The state Department of Human Services emailed Newswatch 16 writing, Andrea Vladika, "did not request reconsideration of the decision to revoke her license in December."
Vladika says that is not true. Her lawyer announced plans to file a motion in Commonwealth Court to delay any plans to close the day care while she appeals.
This is the statement from the State Department of Human Services on it's decision to close down the daycare:
"Andrea Vladika Day Care was issued a first provisional certificate of compliance from May 4, 2015 to November 4, 2015, for substantial but not complete compliance.
On December 1, 2015, the department notified her of the decision to refuse to renew her provisional certificate of compliance due to noncompliance with regulations and failure to comply with an acceptable plan of compliance. Ms. Vladika appealed the decision and the appeal was denied.
She did not request reconsideration and she was directed to close her facility on September 28, 2016."
