Did You Lose Your Daycare Yesterday?

More than 100 families are still reeling after showing up to pick up their children at and learning the daycare center would be closing -- effective immediately.

According to WTNH, director of operations Jake Giuliano had laid off six employees last month and the operation was still struggling; seven additional employees quit abruptly yesterday morning.

Giuliano sent Patch this release: "We are sad to report that Precious Cargo Daycare and Learning Center of Branford has ceased operations as of June 1, 2012. Due to the economy and lack of staffing, we were unable to remain open. We owe a great deal of thanks and appreciation to all the families and children we served over the past 13 years and to all of our amazing employees who have helped to make our Branford center an integral part of the community."

If you're scrambling to find a new daycare, Patch is here to help. Here's our listing of some other top daycares in Branford. Feel free to make suggestions for additions to this list (we'll keep updating it), or use the comments space to share tips, plans and any new information with other parents. You can also look back at March's  for the best pre-school in Branford. Good luck!

203-488-1506; abclearnwithmeinc@mail.com

Located on Cedar Street, ABC Learn With Me is a private preschool and child care center offering a safe and engaging educational environment for children from six weeks through twelve years-old. Open year-round, ABC offering infant and toddler, preschool and before/after school programs designed to promote children's intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. Visit the ABC Learn With Me Web site for program and enrollment information.

203-488-4512

Branford Early Learning Center is a state-funded town agency that cares for infant to pre-kindergarten children. The Department of Social Services funds the learning center, which offers high-quality, low-cost child care and education services. Programs and activities include yoga, dance, gymnastics and music. Members of the staff can speak Spanish and can communicate in sign language.

203-488-2007; stefmh0807@yahoo.com

For over 50 years, the Child Development Center has been providing Branford with nurturing, full-time and part-time daycare services from its location at the back of the First Congregational Church, right in the center of town. This center is a non-profit, state-licensed organization that offers daycare and preschool programs for children from ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Stephanie Linke is the director of this establishment and she is proud of her staff:  "All of our teachers have a lot of experience," she says.

203-481-8170

For 17 years, Duck Pond has provided an environment designed to meet the developmental needs of hundreds of children 6 weeks to 6 years old.  Sue Pavelko and Amy Donegan are a mother/daughter team who own and direct all aspects of the Duck Pond's program.

"Duck Pond is unique in the area because of our teacher tenure - 10 years on average - and flexibility of scheduling," says Pavelko.  Every classroom has at least one teacher with a degree. 

Care 4 Kids financial aid is accepted.

Pavelko suggested interested parents call to schedule a tour to see what makes the center special.

203-488-4028

Learn & Play Preschool & Childcare is a Christian learning center and childcare for children ages six weeks to five years old. It is associated with United  Methodist Church, which is located on the same property. It is conveniently located, making it easy for commuting parents.