The child care home where 22-month-old Skylar Bullocks nearly drowned Thursday has been ordered by the state to shut down, but that doesn't mean the facility is closed for good.
A letter dated Friday, Aug. 3 from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration was addressed to Mary Schrock, the owner of the day care, telling her to "cease and desist" her operations, and WSBT has obtained that letter.
The girl was pulled from a swimming pool Thursday at Schrock's day care on Beverly Lane in Osceola.
On Friday, Osceola Police Chief Phil Brown told WSBT the girl was in very critical condition at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. He was told the next 12 to 48 hours are critical.
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office released a statement late Friday afternoon confirming the child's name and the fact she is still hospitalized. However, the statement noted the prosecutor's office could not comment on Skylar's condition.
Neighbors say Skylar is a foster child, and the day care operator was her foster grandparent.
Police initially told WSBT 9 children were in the backyard with adults, playing in the pool. When it was time to change, 2 children were unaccounted for.
A 4-year-old, who was jumping on a trampoline, saw the young girl in the pool and tried to pull her out but couldn't.
Initially, the toddler was taken to Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, but then airlifted to Riley Hospital for Children.
St. Joseph County Metro Homicide interviewed adults and some children at the scene.
After the incident, other parents were called to come pick up their children.
One neighbor says the home day care facility has been in business for more than 25 years.
In a notice from the Indiana Division of Family Resources, Schrock who ran the home child care, was told to "cease its operation immediately."
Under Indiana Code 12-17.2-5-1, a person may not operate a child care home without a license unless it meets certain exemptions, which include caring only for children who are related to the provider and caring for less than 6 children.
The Department of Child Services and law enforcement found about 10 children in the home at the time of the near drowning.
However, Schrock could reopen her child care business if she applies for a license with the state or reduces the number of children in her care.
WSBT-TV will have full reports on this developing story at 5 and 6 p.m. Friday.
