Daycare Owner Blames Ex for Vandalism

A Philadelphia daycare owner faces significant challenges after all three of her childcare centers were vandalized over the weekend. Ciara Young, owner of Universal Kids Childcare and Learning Center, believes a disgruntled ex-partner is responsible for the destruction.

The South Philadelphia location was targeted with red paint and false allegations of child pornography. Young vehemently denies these claims, stating her eight-year community involvement, including two years at this site, attests to her character.

City crews worked to clean paint from the South Philadelphia center. Young asserts her son's father is the perpetrator, having allegedly thrown paint and spray-painted inappropriate messages at her locations.

While the South Philadelphia center suffered the most damage, the West Philadelphia location also saw red paint covering security cameras and a school bus with broken windows. The Southwest Philadelphia site, though remaining open, also sustained paint damage and bus damage.

Neighbors expressed concern, describing Young and her staff as kind and emphasizing the upsetting nature of seeing the business targeted. Local residents noted that problems have been escalating since June.

Despite the setbacks, Young is committed to cleaning the premises and hopes to reopen next week, continuing her dedication to nurturing children.