Relocating to DC, need help finding day care

[Anonymous]

We are moving back to the DC area this summer with our 6 month old. I'm so stressed about finding day care for her. We currently live in Tampa FL and she is in a center that she and I both love. I think I might actually cry when we have to take her out.

I've tried searching online for centers, in-home care, nannies but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. Right now I feel like everything is riding on finding a good child care provider, i.e. where we live. I don't want to move in to a neighborhood that lacks decent childcare options. Plus I'm noticing the fees are double what they are here and right now I have our daughter in one of the most expensive centers in town. Oh and the waitlist!!!

Where should I start? Does anyone have any recommendations for good childcare in Arlington or Alexandria? Should I start getting on waitlists? Is the waitlist as long for children over 1? How do you scope out childcare when you're in a different state??? I did a lot of research and center visits when I chose the center she is in now but now I feel stuck trying to pick a place off the internet.

I know I have a lot of questions. Thanks for the help.

[Anonymous]

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have a great day.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry that the childcare process is so stressful. You are feeling what many parents in DC feel as they try and figure things out upon returning to work.

To answer a few of your questions:
Cost - yes it is very expensive in DC. A few of the reasons are that real estate is expensive so they need to charge more to cover facilities cost and they need to pay their workers more. Additionally, many people day their nannies / babysitters on the books as they can not risk breaking the law for security clearances / political aspirations - so the average cost of a nanny is high

I would guess that the cost for care inside the beltway is going to be somewhere between $1400 - $1800 a month.

For waitlists - unfortunately, the lost for a 1 YO is not significantly different than for an infant as the ratio is not significantly different. There are a bunch of places that start at age 2 and this opens up the waitlist a bit at that time.

Are you or your partner at an employer where you get priority at a childcare center? If yes, get on that list NOW! Do you have any friends / co-workers at the new job location who can help direct you. Sometimes it is these relationships that can get you into a place.

I would recommend casting the biggest net possible and hope that something hits.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, no one I know has kids in day care. I'll check with my employer though.