WEBSTER, MASS. (WHDH) – A daycare in Webster has been closed after being in business for 24 years. The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) cited concerns about the owner’s dogs, but parents say the state got it wrong.
“It’s just not fair,” said Kim Adams.
For 24 years, Adams cared for children in her home daycare called Circle of Friends.
“It’s been devastating physically and professionally,” she said. “It’s truly what I love to do. You have to love this job.”
Her business had a perfect state record.
“We know that our daughter is safe here,” said parent Victoria Laplante.
Although, the state disagrees. The EEC believes Adam’s three English mastiffs pose a threat to children.
On July 31, an EEC inspector showed up without notice when the daycare was closed. In the inspection report she claims when she walked to the garage, the dogs barked, and one jumped on her. She says she was scratched and bit.
“This wasn’t something that would happen if I was open for daycare,” said Adams. “My dogs are not out front during pick up or drop off.”
The inspector also says she was bit back in January when she entered the property through a gate marked “no trespassing– ” an area where only the dogs are allowed.
“When you open this gate and see my dogs, you are going to continuously walk through and say, ‘oh no thanks, maybe I should call,’” said Adams.
The EEC opened an investigation speaking with staff, animal control, and nine parents.
“Never even had an issue with the dogs whatsoever,” said parent Gretchen Heckler. “If I saw them, they didn’t even react to me.”
“They are very docile. They just kind of lay around,” said Laplante.
The EEC’s own investigation backed that up, finding, “no evidence to indicate the educator’s dogs created a threat to the children in the child care setting.” Adams wasn’t cited for either incident either, but the state has kept her daycare closed for months….