It doesnt appear to me that they knew. It says the couple was contacted by phone that there was an opening. You think these women gave the day care the whole story when they initially inquired about it? She stated that they were told when she had the paperwork in hand which to me means when they completed the application and listed their personal information.
And whats the first thing they did after being denied? Posted their sob story on Facebook. You are denying the devious nature of these activists.
Now that I looked at it closer, I think you are correct.