Annoyed/amazed by daycare response to Mem Day flooding

[Anonymous]

I got off the waitlist at Easter Seals CDC in Columbia Heights while my son was waiting for FBC CDC to reopen. Even though it was not as convenient we took the spot (tired of the wait and unknown of FBC). I didnt realize untill we took it how much happier out son is...no more crying when dropping off. All the teachers are active , and get out of their chairs...no more teachers on cell phones. Very happy we changed. This leak was a blessing in disguise for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got off the waitlist at Easter Seals CDC in Columbia Heights while my son was waiting for FBC CDC to reopen. Even though it was not as convenient we took the spot (tired of the wait and unknown of FBC). I didnt realize untill we took it how much happier out son is...no more crying when dropping off. All the teachers are active , and get out of their chairs...no more teachers on cell phones. Very happy we changed. This leak was a blessing in disguise for us.

I've seen others mention this but never really took notice of it myself - my daughter is in one of the infant rooms and it seems that the babies keep the teachers hopping. But just the other day when I showed up for pickup the toddlers were on the playground and I noticed at least one of the teachers texting away. Though I find the behavior annoying (they should be focused on the kids when on the clock) I assume it's pretty common in childcare centers...right? Are there centers that have policies against teachers using cell phones?

On another FBC-related note, does anyone know if/when they hold board meetings?

[Anonymous]

We had to leave the daycare for a few reasons, but I wanted to share that since the day my DS started (post flood/mold issues --see boards), up until he left, he had this awful chronic cough. We disregarded at the time, after taking him to his pediatrician, who said it was allergy related. However, since we've changed schools, the cough has subsided. We took him to a pulminologist, and they said that it was due to mold that apparently was lingering in the rooms NOT remodeled (probably in air ducts, etc.). Given the long term impact that could have had on us, I'm so glad we left, but boy, I am concerned about others there.

[Anonymous]

PP: that is awful! is there any recourse? is your child okay?

[Anonymous]

He will be, but thank goodness he's out of there. The damage could have been long-term.

[Anonymous]

ding dong the witch is gone!!

[Anonymous]

Would LOVE to hear details if they're available. She was horrible. Hope FBC-CDC improves now that she's gone!

[Anonymous]

I really feel bad for her, she wasn't that bad. But, people sure do bully her on his forum.
The details are that she resigned one day and the next day the assistant director stepped in. People need to stop being so mean and stop complaining about this place. The teachers are loving and the kids are happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People need to stop being so mean and stop complaining about this place.

Excuse me...you do know where you are, right? DCUM? Hahahaha...while that request is reasonable...it will never be observed here...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really feel bad for her, she wasn't that bad. But, people sure do bully her on his forum.
The details are that she resigned one day and the next day the assistant director stepped in. People need to stop being so mean and stop complaining about this place. The teachers are loving and the kids are happy.

The former director (Ms. Toni) was awful no matter how you look at it, and I'm not going to defend her. However those who are whining about subpar care are only one side of the story. Not all of the teachers are the same but most are wonderful and I have never witnessed some of the behavior (texting and the like) that other people have mentioned. I do think that there is a lack of coherent philsophy, administrative policy, and parent communication that could be improved. Despite that however my child has been perfectly happy, is developing well (potty trained before 3, advanced early reading and math skills) and I am more than satisfied. Will not be surprised however if they have a hard time finding an outstanding replacement director though since the salary the church offers is less than peanuts. If you can afford $2000+ per child by all means go ahead and sign your kid up for Bright Horizons or some other corporate center. But for the mere mortals among us, FBC-CDC in Dupont is a solid option that doesn't require parents working a second job simply to afford a family.

[Anonymous]

16:46, fwiw, we were among the families affected by the "flood" and are thrilled to have been able to find more affordable care (that includes food) at a Bright Horizons that we love. Not sure that FBC-CDC is much of a bargain. But hopefully they find an excellent replacement for Toni - she shouldn't be hard to beat but, I agree, with the church penny-pinching, it could be.