Precious cargo closure not surprising to some

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Precious Cargo daycare in Wallingford appears to be operating business as usual. Unlike the Branford location, which shut down abruptly Friday afternoon giving no prior notice to parents or employees.

"Yeah I'm not surprised," said Hector Rodriguez of Wallingford.

Rodriguez tells News 8 his daughter worked at Precious Cargo in Wallingford, but not for long.

"Basically they didn't really have enough funds to keep her on," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said his daughter only worked there for approximately three weeks.

The only thing workers at Precious Cargo in Branford were able to do on Monday morning was collect their belongings. They're still in shock about losing their jobs.

"Oh, it's been a nightmare," said Mary Jane Schetino, day care instructor. "Checks bouncing, nothing being done, the upper staff just didn't care. We were lied to, it was sugar coated all the time, it was horrible."

More than 100 parents equally upset had to scramble to find another daycare for their children by Monday morning and worried about the tuition they prepaid to Precious Cargo.

News 8 went to the Wallingford location looking for answers for Branford workers worried about being paid and parents wondering if they'll get their money back.

News 8 was told owners John and Jackie Giuliano were not available.

The Department of Public Health tells News 8 the Giuliano's did notify DPH about the sudden closing citing low staffing levels.

The Better Business Bureau says if parents have any concerns they should contact the Department of Consumer Protection.