Wallingford daycare center sold

WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The owners of Precious Cargo, a daycare that unexpectedly closed in Branford, have now reportedly sold their other location in Wallingford.

Months of uncertainty are hopefully over for parents who use Precious Cargo Day Care in Wallingford.

The uncertainty started back in June when Precious Cargo's other location in Branford closed and parents there had to scramble to find a new place for their kids. Parents at the Wallingford Precious Cargo wondered what would happen to them.

"Were you worried when Branford closed," News 8's Kent Pierce asked some parents.

"Yes, definitely, because my daughter had just started a few months before that," Nicole Cavallero replied.

"I guess everybody had their concerns, so I guess we'll have to see where it goes," said Steve Green.

As of Friday, the Wallingford facility has a new owner, called Educational Playcare. They plan to keep all employees and honor existing contracts with parents.

One of the people who runs Educational Playcare says they're very excited to be taking over Precious Cargo, but there's a lot of work to do. Educational Playcare has four other locations and they offer more services than Precious Cargo did, so they have to get the new facility up to speed. They also charge more at the other locations, but parents who have been at Precious Cargo for a while will not see their rates increase anytime soon.

"I am so happy. I love the day care, I love the staff," Cavallero said. "I'm so happy they're keeping everybody."

"Everyone's very happy with the new situation and the new company," said grandmother Patty Puglisi.

That "everyone" includes employees. Their paychecks from Precious Cargo would sometimes bounce.

"Are you guys happy about it," Pierce asked some of the employees.

"Yes. Very," they replied.
 
There are still some unhappy people back in Branford. Some of those parents paid for the whole year and were promised refunds. The Attorney General's office says of 103 consumer complaints, their records show at least 19 have gotten refunds. Their investigation into Precious Cargo is still ongoing.