Need infant daycare in November--am I too late?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: . . . If you're on the list at a few places, call them regularly to check in (like every two or three months). But don't be annoying or rude. Stop by if you're able to, as well. If you get to know them, they're more likely to suddenly find a spot for you.[/quote]

This is good advice for the downtown DC centers. You might also find a nanny share or possibly an in-home daycare (search for DC licensed providers at http://www.mychildcaredc.com/cpts); most of those won't fall into place until a few months before you need care. Also check with churches in your neighborhood -- many have preschools and nursery programs. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Piggybacking on OP's post -- when is the best time to start looking for in-home care. I'm in the same boat as OP, and will need infant care around October/November.

Generally, most in-home providers don't know more than 2-4 weeks in advance of their openings. There are exceptions - like a child who's moving onto preschool in September - so it doesn't hurt to call and ask the providers who come most highly recommended, but most really won't be able to tell you very far in advance of their openings. We found ours two weeks before we started.

[Anonymous]

OP here--thanks for the feedback, especially to PP who sent the link. I am definitely open to church/in-home daycares so will look into those as well.

We live in SW DC so are trying to find something relatively close to home, though I think our options nearby are limited. Also looking downtown and in the Capitol Hill area. The other problem we have is that both DH and I are likely to change jobs by the time we anticipate needing childcare, so our location preferences could end up changing.

Might also look into nanny shares, but it's a little more of a stretch for us financially, at least at the moment.

[Anonymous]

This is the PP who asked about when to start looking for in-home care. A lot of terrific feedback -- thanks to all who responded.

[Anonymous]

OP - I'm in the same boat as you - due in July and need care in Nov. We are on 1 list - Bright Horizons - because we are moving and they have lots of locations. We work downtown and are likely moving from NW to Arlington. BH will let you switch your "top 3" choices, so we liked that.

We plan on using in-home, nanny share, or nanny to plug the gap between when I do back to work and when we get a spot.