WEST MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Monday, over a dozen West Memphis parents will have to find a new place for their children to go after The Primary Learning Academy was shut down by the state.
The owners , Alice and Ronald McClure, were arrested and charged when an 8-month-old was found in the facility after they locked the doors. They later received a revocation letter from DHS.
But these parents believe it was an honest mistake.
“This is a good place to go to. I went there in 1993. My kids, I have three kids, go there. I have a baby there – she’s 1,’ parent Terrian Morris said. “They are good people. If you don’t have it today, they will help you.”
The group of parents we met with today say they are not making excuses for the owners, but they believe they should be given a second chance.
“They took care of generations of people. They wouldn’t do this intentionally,” a parent said.
These are generations of people who grew up with the McClure’s as their second parents.
They say their children love them, which is why they will be presenting a letter to the state saying a majority of West Memphis depends on them for stability and security.
They also have a petition that’s racking up signatures, hoping for the McClure’s to get a second chance.
“I’m really hoping that they consider opening back up so our kids can have somewhere safe to go,” a parent said.
VIDEO: FAMILY FINDS BABY AT DAYCARE (GRAPHIC LANGUAGE)
