Vinita Daycare Center Accused In Severe Sunburn Case Closes Down

The Vinita daycare center accused of causing two young boys to get second- and third-degree burns has shut down. Oklahoma Department of Human Services Communications Manager Debra Martin said the agency asked "Happiness Is A Learning Center" to cease operations during the investigation process.

According to Martin, the daycare’s owner, Geneva Young, agreed and took it one step further by closing the facility permanently. Martin said the daycare shut down for good at the close of business Monday, July 27.

When News On 6 went to the daycare for answers on Monday, Young said she was serving the children lunch but had no comment.

DHS says it is still investigating after the mother of 7-year-old Conner Harvey and 5-year-old Trae Wells accused the facility of leaving her sons outside much of the day Friday without shirts or sunscreen.

7/27/2015 Related Story: GRAPHIC: Mother Says Two Vinita Boys Severely Sunburned On Daycare Trip

Their mother says her sons were severely burned while playing at a splash pad. 

She shared pictures with News On 6, showing the boys with large blisters on the backs and shoulders.

Harvey and Wells were life-flighted to Shriner’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas Sunday where they are being treated for their burns.

The Vinita Police Department also says it is actively investigating. DHS said if Young decided to open another daycare facility, she would have to apply for a new operating license.