Talk to me about full time daycare

[Anonymous]

This is all new to me; I was SAHM for several years and have been doing some temp low paid WFH type gigs more recently but I'm looking for something more. I was able to obtain a part time Fed position that is remote work eligible but there are first several months of in person training downtown. My daughter currently goes to preschool half days 5 days a week but sadly, the hours of switching to full time care available there do not align with the hours I need as I anticipate a lengthy commute to/from suburbia. I estimate I will need coverage approx. 7 or 730-445 and her current school is only open 8-5 so I think I need to start looking at daycare centers to bridge the gap until she starts K in the fall. I assume hiring someone to take her in the mornings only would be pretty hard to find, right?

SO.. I have a tour set up next week but I don't really know what to expect. What is the going rate these days? I'm assuming it will take up most or all of my income for the first bit. Since she is 4, do the PK4 classes typically continue over the summer or do I need to find a summer camp also?

[Anonymous]

Why not just ask the center? Cost and schedule are pretty basic questions.

[Anonymous]

A daycare center should provide coverage for the summer before K, but you should confirm that.

Going rates vary widely depending on where you are located. We pay $1,500 per month in Rockville for a center we love that is open 6:30am-6:30pm. It is licensed but not NAEYC accredited.

Make sure to check the licensing inspection history. Ask about turnover - they should be able to brag about low turnover. Observe the teachers, warm caregiving is so important.

[Anonymous]

The rates can vary so ask. I pay $1500 per month in Silver Spring for a center that’s open 7.30-5.30.

[Anonymous]

We pay closer to $2500 in Bethesda but open till 6:30 and NAEYC accredited.

It's year round and few closures (no weeklong breaks for spring break, Xmas, etc). Get the list of holidays along with the rates

Ask about turnover.

[Anonymous]

Where are you located? Tysons area it’s $1700-$2100 per month. Check if your employer offers any childcare subsidies, like through Bright Horizons.

[Anonymous]

Get a family daycare, many providers are prek teachers and all kids are 4, 5, getting ready for k.

Even tho prek is not a requirement for kindergarten.

Also child care centers have classes for 4years old.
Both daycares and center have hours like 7am - 6:30pm