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<\/p>\nA Philadelphia daycare owner is hoping to reopen two of her locations after all three of her childcare centers were vandalized over the weekend, including with red paint and allegations she firmly denies.<\/p>\n
Ciara Young, owner of Universal Kids Childcare and Learning Center, believes a disgruntled ex is responsible for vandalizing her businesses. Police confirmed they are investigating the vandalism and looking into whether it is domestic in nature.<\/p>\n
Young’s South Philadelphia location on West Passyunk Avenue was temporarily closed after someone splattered red paint on the property and linked the center to child pornography.<\/p>\n
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Young firmly denied the allegations.<\/p>\n
“I’ve never had a porn allegations from anyone let alone children. I\u2019ve been in the community the last eight years in this one in South Philly for the last two,” Young said.<\/p>\n
City crews were seen power washing red paint from the sidewalk in front of the South Philadelphia center.<\/p>\n
Young said she believes her son’s father is behind the vandalism.<\/p>\n
“My son\u2018s father has thrown paint all over my daycare center and spray-painted inappropriate things on my locations,” Young said.<\/p>\n
All three Universal Kids Childcare locations were hit over the weekend, with the South Philadelphia location sustaining the worst of the vandalism.<\/p>\n
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Young’s West Philadelphia location was also closed Monday. Red paint covered security cameras and marked a school bus, which also had broken windows.<\/p>\n
The Southwest Philadelphia location remained open, but paint was also found there and its bus was damaged.<\/p>\n
Troy Jr., who works at neighboring KJ Auto Sales, said the vandalism has been concerning.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s scary being their neighbors, we’re always concerned. We\u2019re gonna catch wind of it and you know being over here. They really nice people. They\u2019ve been nothing but kind us so it hurts seeing them their business get bashed\u201d Troy Jr. said.<\/p>\n
Neighbors near the South Philadelphia location said the problems have been happening since June and hope police can put a stop to them.<\/p>\n
As the investigation continues, Young is working to clean up the damage so she can reopen and continue serving families.<\/p>\n
“I’ll be able to get everything cleaned up like I\u2019ve done in the previous situations and be able to provide service and love and nurture children like I\u2019ve been doing for the last eight years,” Young said.<\/p>\n
Despite boarded-up windows and more cleanup ahead, Young said progress has been made and she hopes to be back up and running next week.<\/p>\n