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State Investigation Confirms 1-Year-Old’s Abuse, Leads to October 3 Daycare Closure

The Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center in Scranton faced immediate closure on October 3, 2025, following a damning investigation by the state Department of Human Services. This decisive action came after authorities confirmed severe abuse of a 1-year-old child and found the facility’s co-owners failed in their legal duty to report the incidents. The widespread misconduct led directly to criminal charges against three individuals, underscoring the grave consequences when a parent sues Scranton daycare shut down by state under claims of child abuse.

The state’s intervention highlighted a critical breach of trust and safety standards within the childcare facility. This enforcement action serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous oversight required to protect vulnerable children. Such closures significantly impact local communities, forcing families to quickly find alternative care options. The swift response from state authorities aims to prevent further harm and uphold the integrity of childcare services.

Uncovering Abuse: A State-Led Investigation and Horrific Allegations

The state’s investigation into the Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center spanned from September 9 to October 2, 2025. This intensive period of inquiry meticulously uncovered evidence of abuse against a vulnerable 1-year-old boy. The specific incident of abuse, identified during the investigation, reportedly occurred on April 30, 2025. This timeline underscores the diligent work required to expose such critical failures in childcare settings.

The detailed allegations against the employee are particularly disturbing, involving a series of violent acts against the infant. These included spanking, hair pulling, hitting the child with a baby formula bottle, and tossing him from a rocking chair to the floor. Such actions constitute a profound betrayal of trust and an egregious violation of a child’s safety and well-being. The severity of these confirmed incidents prompted the state to immediately revoke the daycare’s operating license.

The findings from the state investigation painted a clear picture of an environment where a young child was subjected to physical harm. It emphasizes the critical need for constant vigilance and accountability in facilities entrusted with the care of infants. The immediate and serious danger posed to the children in care necessitated the swift and uncompromising shutdown of the center.

Criminal Charges Filed Against Daycare Staff and Owners

The state’s investigation culminated in significant criminal charges against both the direct perpetrator and the daycare’s management. Vanessa Molina-Ramos, a 48-year-old employee, faces severe legal liabilities for her actions. She has been charged with one felony count of endangering the welfare of a child and one misdemeanor count of simple assault. These charges directly reflect her alleged involvement in the physical abuse of the 1-year-old boy. The legal system will now determine the extent of her culpability in these disturbing events.

Equally significant are the charges brought against the facility’s co-owners, Amy Ware, 43, and Erin Pallo, 43. Both individuals face one third-degree felony charge each for their failure to report or refer an incident of abuse. This highlights a critical legal and ethical responsibility for all childcare providers. Owners and administrators are legally obligated to act decisively when abuse is suspected, ensuring the safety of children under their care. Their inaction led to serious criminal charges.

These criminal proceedings underscore the severe penalties for both direct abuse and the failure to protect children in a childcare setting. The charges against the employee and co-owners send a clear message about accountability. The legal system seeks to ensure justice for the victim and deter similar incidents in the future. Parents seeking to hold a daycare accountable for negligence or abuse often begin with these public records.

Grounds for License Revocation and Broader Implications

The state Department of Human Services did not hesitate in revoking the Learn and Grow Early Childhood Center’s license. The official grounds for this revocation were explicitly outlined, citing “incompetence, negligence, misconduct in operating the facility or agency, a mistreatment or abuse of clients, likely to constitute immediate and serious danger to the life or health of the children in care.” These comprehensive reasons illustrate the profound systemic failures that characterized the daycare’s operations.

The terms “incompetence” and “negligence” point to a fundamental lack of proper management and oversight, allowing unsafe conditions to persist. “Misconduct” and “mistreatment or abuse of clients” directly address the criminal acts committed within the facility. The final clause, “likely to constitute immediate and serious danger to the life or health of the children in care,” serves as the ultimate justification for the rapid and definitive closure. It underscores the paramount importance of child safety in all licensed childcare environments.

This incident serves as a critical case study for regulatory bodies and parents alike, reinforcing the importance of rigorous background checks, staff training, and transparent reporting mechanisms in all childcare centers. The closure on October 3, 2025, while traumatic for the families involved, demonstrates the state’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and care for its youngest citizens.

Lawsuit Seeks Over $375,000 for Negligence, Citing Training Lapses and Overcrowding

A significant legal battle has unfolded in Scranton, as a parent sues Scranton daycare shut down by state under claims of child abuse. On October 16, 2025, Rayon Young, identified as the father and natural guardian of the boy, filed a lawsuit seeking substantial damages. This legal action targets a daycare facility, alleging severe negligence that includes confirmed child abuse, inadequate staff training, and critical non-compliance with state-mandated child-to-employee ratio regulations.

The lawsuit demands over $375,000 in damages, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations. It highlights a disturbing picture of alleged systemic failures within the childcare environment. Such incidents underscore the vital importance of vigilant oversight in facilities entrusted with the care of young children. Allegations of abuse and negligence at childcare facilities are not uncommon, and similar incidents involving staff assault and daycare closures have been reported elsewhere.

The Lawsuit’s Structure and Monetary Demands

The civil complaint, filed by attorney Anthony Piazza III of the Piazza Law Group of Dickson City, is meticulously structured across five distinct counts. Each count seeks a minimum of $75,000 in damages, collectively totaling at least $375,000. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates the plaintiff’s intent to hold various parties accountable for their alleged roles in the reported negligence and abuse.

The defendants named in the lawsuit include the daycare center itself, along with specific individuals. One count directly targets the center, acknowledging its overarching responsibility. Another count is directed against Vanessa Molina-Ramos individually. Amy Ware and Erin Pallo are jointly named in a separate count, indicating specific alleged actions or omissions attributed to them. The remaining two counts broaden the scope, holding the center and the three women jointly liable for various claims, emphasizing a shared responsibility in the alleged failures that led to the child’s harm.

Broader Allegations: Training Lapses and Overcrowding

Beyond the direct claims of child abuse, the lawsuit delves into broader allegations of negligence that create a concerning environment for childcare. A primary focus is placed on deficiencies in staff training for mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse cases. Daycare professionals are legally and ethically bound to recognize and report signs of abuse, making comprehensive training in this area non-negotiable. A lapse here can have dire consequences, potentially allowing abuse to continue undetected and unaddressed. The emotional and financial toll on families can be immense, as parents often speak out about the significant costs and profound impact of such allegations.

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges significant issues of overcrowding due to the daycare’s failure to abide by state regulations on child-to-employee ratios. These ratios are fundamental safety standards designed to ensure adequate supervision and care for every child. When ignored, overcrowding can lead to chaotic environments where staff are stretched thin, increasing the risk of accidents, neglect, and even abuse. An environment with insufficient staff for the number of children can quickly become unmanageable, making it difficult to monitor individual children effectively.

Such non-compliance directly contributes to the negligence claim, indicating a systemic disregard for established safety protocols. The allegations of a parent sues Scranton daycare shut down by state under claims of child abuse highlight a critical need for rigorous adherence to these regulations. When ratios are not met, the quality of care invariably suffers, and children become vulnerable. This situation highlights the critical need for rigorous vetting and oversight, especially given other recent cases where daycare teachers have faced serious charges related to child safety.

The lawsuit brought by Rayon Young serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities childcare facilities bear. It underscores the profound impact when basic safety and training standards are neglected. The legal proceedings aim not only to secure monetary relief but also to ensure accountability and potentially drive improvements in daycare oversight and practices across the region.