Goddard Systems Incorporated

June 2, 2014Dear [redacted]:We have received your letter of May 20, 2014, regarding a complaint filed with your office concerning The Goddard School preschool located in [redacted], Pennsylvania. Please be advised that Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI) is the franchisor to over 400 The Goddard...

School preschool businesses nationwide, each of which is owned and operated by an independent franchisee. GSI does not make day-to-day business decisions on behalf of its franchisees, including refund policies and hiring practices. Accordingly, we are without direct knowledge of the facts underlying the complaint and have no practical ability to respond in any meaningful way.Please let me know if you have any questions.Sincerely

Review: High pressure signing into contract

At the [redacted] Location of The Goddard School, my wife toured the facility with my son for future daycare arrangements. The staff made my wife feel as if she needed to signup instantly or else my son would not have a spot at the daycare. My wife sent in the registration form, with a NON Refundable 150$ check. They then told her she would need a half months tuition to guarentee a spot. Amounting to 360$. We submitted the money and enrollment form.

Due to financial changes, we decided not to send our son to the Goddard School. Upon asking for a refund, my wife was tols that we would recoup any of the funds given to the center.The school essentially took 550$ and did absolutely nothing for my son. While we understand the company needs for non refundable registrations, something must be done to keep them from hampering the livelihoods of parents in the event of changes to finacing available.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of my money, less 150$ registration fee. I would also like The Goddard School to put in place a safety net for refunds that happen so parents like us that experience financial change can recoup some of the money given up front. I would like the Goddard School to start requiring both parents signatures on applicable forms so that the paperwork is reviewed by all financial parties. Something could also be done regarding the sales tactics by the Goddard School where they make

Business

Response:

June 2, 2014Dear [redacted]:We have received your letter of May 20, 2014, regarding a complaint filed with your office concerning The Goddard School preschool located in [redacted], Pennsylvania. Please be advised that Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI) is the franchisor to over 400 The Goddard School preschool businesses nationwide, each of which is owned and operated by an independent franchisee. GSI does not make day-to-day business decisions on behalf of its franchisees, including refund policies and hiring practices. Accordingly, we are without direct knowledge of the facts underlying the complaint and have no practical ability to respond in any meaningful way.Please let me know if you have any questions.Sincerely

Review: I live in [redacted] and one of the Goddard School franchisees abruptly closed its doors. The parents were told on a Sunday that they would not have any day care for their children. Goddard Systems knew that the franchisee was delinquent in rents and payments and they did not do anything to alert the families or help manage that place appropriately. They took our money for the month of March and kept it. Goddard systems promised to pay the parents back. I verbally had franchise relations tell me this and have proof of their receipt of my fax showing proof of payment. I was told that once they had proof they would send a refund. The story changed and has changed each time I speak to anyone. The director of education [redacted] blamed the CEO and CFO, stating they were in meetings and until they approved the refunds none could be mailed out. Appears they are in nonstop 24 hour meetings because I have never heard back. Today we were allowed to go to the daycare to pick up our child's personal belongings and [redacted] wouldn't even answer my question directly. They have put statements out in the media that they are working with parents but they are not. They are hoping that the media attention goes away at which time they will likely go back on their promise for a refund. I'm disgusted with what they call their franchise relations as its anything but helpful. They have their name on the building but don't want to accept any responsibility for the school defrauding the parents. They have stated they would issue refunds however they are not backing that up with any actions. The people I have dealt with are rude and off putting. They are not interested in the families and the little children they displaced. When they tell us they had no clue of the trouble the franchisees were in I have to either believe they are lying to me or incompetent, neither is a good option. My belief is they were more concerned with getting their franchise fees then anything else. There is no compassion for the families or the kids, just broken promises.Desired Settlement: I am seeking a refund for my march payment in its entirety, I'm also seeking for lost wages while we scrambled to take care of our child and look for other day are for Monday and Tuesday 3-11 and 3-12

Consumer

Response:

From: [redacted]

Date: Fri, Mar 22, 2013 at 10:41 AM

Subject: Fwd: Goddard systems Inc

To: [redacted]

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> [redacted]

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> Good morning!

> Per our earlier discussion the following case number [redacted]. Has been resolved amicably. Thank you.

>

> [redacted]

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> Sent from my [redacted]