Moving to Alexandria from out of state and need help...

[Anonymous]

Hello all! My husband, twin 6 1/2 old boys and I live in Florida and are moving to Alexandria in March. My husband will be working at the Pentagon and I will be working in Alexandria. Down here, we have a nanny. However, I don't think we will be able to afford that luxury up there... it looks like the going rates are a bit higher than down here in South Florida.

Anyway, so it looks like we are going the daycare route. While I will be working M-F, my husband's schedule will differ every two weeks. So some days during the week, he will be home and be able to watch the boys.... so that's a good thing.

Since I am not from the area, I do not know how to get started . I just found out that generally there are waiting lists at most daycare providers. Considering I have two boys that will be about 9-10 months when I get there, does anytone have any suggestions on how to start? I am freaking out about this.

How much can I expect to pay at most places? Also, can anyone make some suggestions on some good daycare providers for me? I don't know ANY other moms to get any recs from. It is so hard considering we don't live there yet. THANKS A BUNCH!!!

[Anonymous]

Although the Pentagon use to have a daycare they closed it after 9/11. I think that there is a daycare at Ft. Meyer's that Pentagon people get a preference at. You may want to check it out.

Also, the larger centers here are expensive. Twins in one of the larger centers would cost about as much as a nanny, so I wouldn't rule out the nanny route.

[Anonymous]

I would also check out the infant toddler program (http://www.infanttoddler.com/) for in-home family childcare. I found a great provider for my 6 month old. Rates are reasonable, and you have backup providers if yours is sick.