A Branford daycare suddenly closed up shop leaving parents scrambling to find other places to bring their children.
Parents arrived at the Precious Cargo Daycare in Branford on Friday evening to learn the facility was immediately closing down.
"I'm extremely distraught over it," said Erica Tamsin, of Branford.
Tamsin has three children at the daycare and estimates she's now out $1000 for deposits and one week's pre-paid tuition.
"One of our daughters was here today and was picked up about 1:30. We were not informed then and upon finding out drove down to clean out their cubbies and gather their belongings," said Tamsin.
According to a letter from the owners, the facility closed due to a staffing shortage.
"Unfortunately due to our lack of staffing to maintain proper state ratios, we are unable to remain open," read part of the letter. "We are extremely sorry and disappointed that this has happened, but we must abide by state regulations for teacher-child ratios in the classrooms."
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The letter goes on to state that "ALL families will receive a refund for their unused tuition" and that parents "will receive a letter in the mail within 2 weeks."
"I'd like to know where our tuition money had gone. My daughter's classroom alone was bringing in on estimate 18-thousand dollars a month," said Anna Keeney, of East Haven, who has one child at the facility and estimates she's now out $500 for pre-paid tuition and her deposit.
Parents claim the company recently laid off some workers and that paychecks for some workers have repeatedly bounced. They showed us two payroll checks, along with notices, that showed they had recently rejected by banks.
"My sister-in-law was working here as well until her paychecks bounced so many times she finally said I'm not dealing with this anymore and took off," said Stephanie O'Sullivan, of Madison, who has one child in the daycare and says she's owed one week's tuition and her deposit.
Angering parents even more, they say the director of operations, Jake Guiliano, has posted pictures of his family's world travels on his Facebook page.
"South Korea, Australia, Iceland, ridiculous places, Disney," said Keeney. "I would love to go on vacation like that with my family but because I pay $1200 a month for daycare it's not an option for me."
While we were there, a man identified by parents as Jake Guiliano drove towards the daycare in his Mercedes. He quickly sped off without comment.
For now, parents are hoping they'll get their money back.
"I'm furious. I'm absolutely furious," said O'Sullivan.
The owners of Precious Cargo also run a daycare in Wallingford. That facility remains open.
