13 min drive to Karasik vs. walking option

[Anonymous]

Orrrrr… maybe the place is as great as we are all saying but those of us that have been a part of this special place for years do want new parents to know that there is a thing that might seem disruptive or like a red flag but aren’t actually materially impacting the quality of care provided in the classrooms every day. I mean. Who am I to say.

[Anonymous]

I’m the PP from 15:29 and 23:02. From my perspective, the students haven’t really felt the impact of the director issues unless they lost a teacher. There are absolutely some teachers that left for awesome opportunities at MCPS, there are some that got frustrated at the lack of recognition/opportunities they perceived, and there are some that finished advanced degrees and went on to do other things. All reasons that will happen at any daycare.
As a parent, though, the director turnover has been tough. Differing styles/levels of communication, things the program used to do more of (fundraising events, more robust summer programs), and yes, concerns over staff morale when their bosses keep changing.
I think it’s important for any new parent to know that KFICCC is both/and. It’s an absolutely wonderful place that nurtures kids and prepares them well for elementary school. I didn’t hesitate to put not one, but two kids that were under four months old there, and the second one that I started there was well into this director turmoil. But I’d also want to know that there was some leadership churn and it can seem alarming as a new parent—even as a not new parent—in terms of “what is going on with this program and what will the impact be on the staff and quality of care.”
From my perspective, the changes haven’t impacted the day-to-day at the center enough for me to pull either of my kids. They’re happy, they are safe, and they are growing and learning. Those are the boxes that I want a daycare to tick, but that’s my personal calculus.
I do want to reiterate also that I think the two newest leadership hires show so much promise—they’re clearly focused on not only the kids, but on appreciating and recognizing all the work the staff does. I’m very hopeful about the impact they’ll have on this wonderful place.

[Anonymous]

What is the current tuition at Karasik for 3 and 4 year olds?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the current tuition at Karasik for 3 and 4 year olds?

Around $1600/month. Tuition will go up again mid-year. Snacks are included. Lunch is provided for an extra fee or kids can bring their own.

[Anonymous]

We left Karasik because the admin was so bad. Teachers are good/great.

[Anonymous]

I’m 08:56. Since I wrote that, I’ve had opportunity recently to spend time with the new school leadership, and to talk to some of the teachers we have known for years about the changes. I have to say, I feel much more hopeful about the direction/staff morale/willingness to partner and improve communication with families now than I have in YEARS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Making friends through the neighborhood better. Your child will make friends at the local Family Daycare too.

I'm in the other camp for exactly this reason. THe kids your kid meets in preschool make the transition with him to K. Social reasons are everrthing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Making friends through the neighborhood better. Your child will make friends at the local Family Daycare too.

I'm in the other camp for exactly this reason. THe kids your kid meets in preschool make the transition with him to K. Social reasons are everrthing.

I thought this, too, but no one from daycare was in her K class and she did just fine. The way some schools organize recess/lunch doesn’t really allow for mixing of more than one or two classrooms, so there’s no guarantee that daycare kids are going to get a chance to interact a ton in ES, too. KFICCC does have aftercare and (as of right now) has buses that drop off from three schools (Flora Singer, Montgomery Knolls, and Forest Knolls). So for those that stay on for that, there’s a chance to regroup with “old” friends even if they don’t get to see them at elementary school for the day.

[Anonymous]

Local is better. Building strong friendships is important for children

[Anonymous]

And families

[Anonymous]

OP here- thanks so much for the input! We took the spot and love it there so far- though when you forget the baby's bottles at home the first day and have to make an extra round trip it makes the commute even longer. ugh. Hopefully I won't do that again- at least I remembered the baby, right?

[Anonymous]

You’re doing great! Glad to hear to picked Karasik. And didn’t forget to bring your kid It’s a lot of things to remember to bring for the day.

Also, for the searchable record, my child has been at Karasik since they were 4 months old and both I and kiddo love it. Seriously, we step into the young toddler room and they run away to put away their coat, wash their hands and sit in their tiny, adorable chair for snack time. I have all but vanished during this routine and can only wave a distant “I love you, have fun at school,” that is slightly acknowledged…and it’s amazing. All of our teachers have been beyond wonderful and the new leadership personnel have been particularly awesome in supporting staff and families. Like, my kid barfed immediately upon entering the class one day (sorry! Ok, it was more like a carsick spit up, it haaaappens) and the new director helped entertain the other child who was there while we were cleaning up . I’ve also seen her help out in the classroom in other ways several times and the teachers really appreciate it. KFICCC is a large part of my village.