Any Information on the quality of the USDA daycare center (cclc franchise) in Washington DC?

[Anonymous]

Hello,
We are considering enrolling our 12 month old son into the USDA's Child Development Center. It's a CCLC franchise and it's been newly relocated from the basement of the USDA building to 1800 F Street, SW in DC. I can't find reviews of this place anywhere and that makes me a bit nervous. Has anyone heard anything about this place? Thanks!!!

[Anonymous]

I visited the old and new location, and the new one is quite nice. Don't know anything about the staff or program, though. It is cheaper than most of the downtown centers, and there is a waitlist. Also, last I heard, they may only be in the new location for a few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I visited the old and new location, and the new one is quite nice. Don't know anything about the staff or program, though. It is cheaper than most of the downtown centers, and there is a waitlist. Also, last I heard, they may only be in the new location for a few years.

[Anonymous]

I had my DC in the old location from ages 17 months to 2.5. My biggest gripe was the old, nasty, basement facility, which obviously isn't an issue anymore, and I really didn't like the director Janis -- but I don't think she is there anymore either. Regardless, I think the care my child recieved was good. There was a LOT of effort placed on writing daily reports, which was great to read at the end of each day, but I believe it took time away from the kids - but I'm sure that's their policy and probably won't change. A huge bonus was not having to worry about lunches/snacks (after bottlefeeding) so that's a nice burden lifted.

To be honest your child's expereince will really depend on the classroom teacher...I liked some more than others. There was a lot of staff turnover, but no more than any other facility. While I never got a super warm, fuzzy feeling from the experience -- it was a good (more) affordable choice and I certainly woudn't hesitate to recommend it.

FYI -- we ended up leaving because I took many months off of work after having a second child and decided to send DC to a neighborhood preschool in combination w/ a nanny. Definitely a more expensive option, but I'll admit I get the warm, fuzzies from the preschool.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for posting you guys! We did a tour and were very pleased. The temporary location is not bad. The best news is that they are currently in the process of building a brand new child care center for USDA in another location that will be state of the art. We joined the waiting list and are starting this August. The director of the center is fairly new, but she has a very experienced assistant with her. They were both such lovely women. I had a very good feeling about them. After my LO starts this August, I'll repost a review to the blog for anyone else interested in this location. It was one of the few we toured that didn't have a super long waiting list.

[Anonymous]

Cclc is a fancy name and price for Kindercare

[Anonymous]

Would love to get your feedback after your LO attends. We're considering this facility as well for our infant.

[Anonymous]

We have our LO on the wait list to start in August and will definitely update you on what our experience is like after she starts. So far, I got a very good feeling about the staff, but the real test of course is seeing how it goes after actual enrollment. I will be back on here with feedback in just a couple of months.

[Anonymous]

I have been on the waitlist for almost a year... and still haven't got a spot

[Anonymous]

Any update or feedback on this location. We're considering enrolling our LO in September..

[Anonymous]

We just started our LO this week. Today is her second day. So far, I feel good about sending her there. The staff in the infant room has been very patient with her (she cried hysterically when I left her there yesterday and today) as she adjusts. They sang songs to help calm her down this morning and then when I left they were taking all of the infants in a large group stroller on a walk around the block to a nearby duck pond. They had four teachers in there this morning for 10 infants which is great. So far I have a good feeling, but will repost here as we go along (it's only the 2nd day).

[noscda]

Hi - am interested in finding out if there is any update on this facility? We are interested in trying to get a spot for our infant and toddler, but have received mixed messages about the quality of care. Have you been satisfied with the teachers, quality of care, and had a good overall experience so far? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just started our LO this week. Today is her second day. So far, I feel good about sending her there. The staff in the infant room has been very patient with her (she cried hysterically when I left her there yesterday and today) as she adjusts. They sang songs to help calm her down this morning and then when I left they were taking all of the infants in a large group stroller on a walk around the block to a nearby duck pond. They had four teachers in there this morning for 10 infants which is great. So far I have a good feeling, but will repost here as we go along (it's only the 2nd day).

Any update?

[Anonymous]

Anyone have current updates as to the care at USDA child development center? Last post was December. We are offered a summer position and I don't know whether to take it or not

[Anonymous]

Anyone have information about the clcc usda location in beltsville, md? Can't find much online and they haven't Been very responsive. Thanks!