– 22935466

EL PASO, TX — Shock camefor dozens of families when they found out they have to look for somewhere else to send their children for care.

The Texas Department of Family Protective Services shut down U-KEP Daycare Monday afternoon. State officials said they closed the Northeast El Paso daycare for having 46 violations, at least ten of those considered high risk. DFPS officials say violations include not checking backgroundson some employees, not ensuring employees had first-aid training for choking,and having unmarked bleach bottles on the premises.

The shutdown is effective immediately.

“Every new daycare center gets what is called asix-month initial permit. If they get it right during those six months then they get a full permit. They did not get it right,” said Paul Zimmerman, spokesman for Family Protective Services.

Parents tell us they weren’t given notice and having to find last-minute daycare is a major inconvenience.

“She pretty much just said you need to pick up the kids. The daycare’s closing,” said Nicole Keister. “I’ve never seen anything wrong as far as it being dirty, anything that I thought was inappropriate,” the mother added.

“What is better, thinking about buraucracy or really thinking about children?” asked mother Lisa Zucchini-Bowers.

The daycare’s general manager says it’s all a misunderstanding.

“She had received the training,” said Nita Rios, U-KEP General Manager, regarding one employee called out for not having the first-aid training to come into compliance with state regulations.

Rios admits there were some things that needed to be fixed, but not enough to be shut down.

“If the inspector says everything is fine, then why would we need to appeal anything?” she asked.

Meanwhile parents – many with children on spring break – say they’re most upset by how the situation was handled.

“What is he going to do, stay with me in the office?” said Zucchini-Bowers.

The U-KEP manager says they are going to appeal the decision and try and reopen as soon as possible.