BROKEN ARROW -- Workers at the Broken Arrow daycare that suddenly shut their doors this week said they have been shorted pay for the last few months.
A woman who worked at Kids Fun-Damentals Daycare and did not want to be identified said she was shorted on her paycheck in August and only paid for two weeks in September.
When she and others went to deposit their checks this week, she said it bounced.
She said all of their computers, phones and cameras stopped working this week as well.
The woman said she and other employees threatened to quit this week and that is when she said the owner, Denise Tilley, told them to post a sign on the door saying they were closed.
Thursday, the daycare had a cut off notice from the electric company on their door. It said they owed almost $1,600.
"I can't believe that if they couldn't pay employees why would they be taking on new students," Rhiley Ethridge, whose daughter goes to the daycare, said. "[The sign] says enrolling now."
Ethridge just paid about $500 to enroll her daughter in the school. That amount also included her tuition for October. Most other parents already paid their tuition for next month as well.
Ethridge's four-year old just started last week.
"It was supposed to be picture day," Ethridge said. "She had on a cute outfit and was super excited."
It has been an inconvenience for Ethridge. She has had to cancel meetings to stay home with her daughter. She said she is lucky she can do that because other parents cannot.
"One of the hardest parts has been explaining to her that she can't come back," the mother said. "She doesn't get it . She's four."
All of the parents of Kids Fun-Damentals are left scrambling to find new childcare.
"I know that some of the better daycares, if you aren't in already you aren't in," Ethridge said. "You aren't getting in."
We reached out to Tilley for comment. She did not answer our call.
Families who did pay their October tuition are encouraged to cancel the charge on their credit card or cancel their check. If they cannot do that, small claims court is the next option.
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