St. Albans Early Childhood Center SAECC

[Anonymous]

Hello,
We’re considering enrolling our two year old at St. Albans Early Childhood Center. We’re wondering if anyone has experience with St. Albans they can share.
Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Tons of turnover and the programming is lacking and it’s an only going to get worse. DC is no longer finding the grant to pay teachers more so they will be coming back to MD. I would stay far away. Find another accredited preschool.

[Anonymous]

I just remember we toured it. They kept talking about how they use weighted aprons to calm kids down. I imagined our 3-4 year old kid spending days in that weighted apron. We chose a different place that somehow managed to keep things calm and managed without an apron. This was a long time ago, so maybe things changed now. I just still remember the gleam in the eyes of the woman singing praises to the apron.

[Anonymous]

It appears the previous 2 posters have some sort of grudge, but as a parent of kids that has been there since infancy, (and friends with many other similar parents) it's been a wonderful community and I'm already dreading next year when we will have to leave. The person who stressed a lot for turnover is just incorrect, there was turnover during the prime of the pandemic, but that was true in most all childcare settings around the city/nation. My kids have shared many teachers who have been there for years and are amazing humans. I have never seen nor heard of a weighted apron, so that is not a thing to be concerned (although I love a weighted blanket so it does sound nice to me!)
The teacher pay equity will be a problem for all DC childcare providers and everyone should call / email complaints to this budget cut! It would be devastating for ALL early Ed in DC. This is not specific to st A's

In short, it's a good school, it's in a great location, they have 2 playgrounds and a gym for bad weather which is really nice. I am not coming here to say it's the absolute perfect unicorn place ever, you cannot please everyone, but they really care and try and have kind hearted teachers/admin.

[Anonymous]

Weighted aprons/vests are commonly used for kids receiving OT services in schools, however I’ve yet to see one at SAECC! Certainly wouldn’t be concerned if I saw one using that tool. We’ve been at the school for almost a year now and have been thrilled. Our child is thriving and has a loving, trusting relationship with his two teachers. There’s a little paranoia with cold symptoms it seems, but I’m guess that’s post covid life in preschools. Continuing on next year at the center was a no brainer for us.