Nest vs Discovery Time

[Anonymous]

The title says it all - please help this mama decide between Nest Academy in Del Ray vs. Discovery Time on Hume.

I don’t see a ton about the Nest Academy so hoping others have any insight into the center, likes, dislikes, etc. Also, preferences on staying at daycare until Kindergarten or transferring to another location after baby is 2. I know a lot of more “preschool” style places become available after the age of 2.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Came here to say a good place to start is the Virginia safety inspections site: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/cc2.cgi

[Anonymous]

I adore Discovery Time. I feel like the teachers there genuinely love my child. We have been there 2+ years.

Only downsides are teacher turnover, which seems to have stabilized (and seems to be inevitable unless you want to pay $$$$ tuition), and *previously* their strict pandemic policies which are no longer in place.

I don't know anyone at Nest. I think it speaks volumes that the majority of my Del Ray friends are at Discovery Time.

[Anonymous]

PP from 15:31, here are some specific pros for DT:
-Warm, kind teachers
-They bring in outside classes (soccer, music) for the older kids so that you don't have to schlep your kids to that on your own time
-Lots of activities including messy arts and crafts
-Playground on-site, decent outdoor time, and a lot of the parents gather at the Mt Jefferson park nearby after hours (convenient location and good place to meet fellow parents)
-Okay pricing for the area -- the centers around here are all expensive but it could be worse (I pay a little over $1700 for an older toddler)
-PARENTS' NIGHT OUT once a month on a weekend afternoon for a very low price. Huge perk
-While I did mention teacher turnover, there are a few standout teachers who have been there for years and will still come by my child's class and say hi to her
-Food included for toddlers and older at least

One con: Still only open till 5:30. This is not ideal if you are in the office a lot or work longer hours.

Some parents complain about communication not being super organized but I don't really agree. They use an app to communicate updates and I've never had an issue.