Only on FOX 29: Parents want answers and their money back from a daycare that wasn't even supposed to be operating.
Pennsylvania state inspectors thought they had shut the daycare down last summer. but the business, called "In the Beginning," kept operating under the radar, and kept collecting tuition from parents. When Philadelphia city inspectors returned last week, they shut it down again, leaving parents stranded.
Several parents contacted Fox 29 about the daycare, which is located on Wynnefield Avenue. The parents had paid registration fees and tuition for November. "I'm stuck in the middle of the year trying to find a school to place my son, and everybody is pretty much full," Angelina Geiger explained.
Two daycare officials told Fox 29 they had no idea they weren't allowed to operate. Wanda Lewis is a registered trustee for "In the Beginning." When she spoke to Fox 29 briefly on Wednesday outside the daycare, she told only a fraction of the story. "This is why they shut the place down because of the food license," Lewis insisted.
But state inspectors found a long list of problems when they showed up in July: the daycare had no license, no approved program for the kids, and no background checks done on the employees. Last week city inspectors returned and found no working fire alarm, and a collapsing roof.
"I asked them was there problems or any issues going on. They said everything was fine, they'd take care of it, just pay tuition," Geiger said.
Fox 29 asked Wanda Lewis whether the daycare would refund the parents' money. "Oh absolutely," Lewis insisted. Lewis wouldn't say when parents would get their money back.
"I don't think they handled it well at all," another parent told Fox 29. "I feel that it's a disgrace to continue to take money, and you know what's going on. And I don't know if they're going to repay these parents."
"If they was to ever open back up I definitely would not come back," Geiger said. "I wouldn't refer anyone. I've referred several people here, I have about five friends and we're all stuck."
Brandon Jackson is one of the daycare's registered owners. He told Fox 29 it was all a big misunderstanding, and also promised to return parents' money. Jackson said it would take 30 to 60 days.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:49 PM EDT2013-05-14 21:49:13 GMT
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer.
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer. Jolie's not the first woman to do it, but she may be the most high profile. Her decision is touching off a serious conversation about the preventive measure.
A Philadelphia jury is scheduled to start a fourth full day of deliberations in the case of a Philadelphia abortion provider facing multiple counts of murder.
The jury in the death-penalty trial of a Philadelphia abortion provider has gone home without a verdict after another day of deliberations.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
