The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children and Adult Licensing issued an order of summary suspension and notice of intent to revoke the license of Bay County group day care home provider Joy Ayala, 734 Southeast Boutell Road, Bay City, Michigan. This action resulted from a recent investigation of a complaint of the child day care group home.

The August 2, 2006, complaint investigation found violations of the Child Care Organizations Act and administrative rules regarding household member suitability. OCAL took emergency action to protect the health, welfare, and safety of children. Effective 6:00 p.m., August 3, 2006, the Summary Suspension Order prohibits Joy Ayala from operating a group day care home at 734 Southeast Boutell Road, Bay City, Michigan or at any other address or location. Accordingly, she may not accept children for care after that date and time. The order also requires Ms. Ayala to inform all of the parents of children in her care that her license has been suspended and that she can no longer provide day care.

Ms. Ayala has held a license to operate a group day care home since January 19, 2001. The license was for twelve children.

Michigan law defines a group day care home as a private home in which more than six but not more than 12 minor children are given care and supervision for periods of less than 24 hours a day, unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoption. Group day care home includes a home that gives care to an unrelated minor child for more than four weeks during a calendar year.