First Baptist Church (Dupont Circle) - recent experiences?

[Anonymous]

Ms. Lucila. LOVE!

[Anonymous]

We just got a call that our son got in, but after reading this, I'm considering declining. Between posts about the flood, cell phones, swearing, and not going outside, I think this Center sounds like it needs an administration makeover (whom I was not impressed with by the way).

[Anonymous]

If you have another option, I would definitely go with that. We had been in one of infant rooms at FBC and got out - I cannot tell you what a difference it is. I swear it's like the Wizard of Oz when it goes from the black and white portion to the technicolor part.

I didn't think the director/asst. director would have a big impact on us day-to-day but now that we're at a center where the director and asst. director are both super engaged, it makes a big difference. For example, they actually have monthly parent meetings, provide a call-in for those who can't attend and send out the minutes. And, better yet, they take feedback to heart and, unlike the lovely director at FBC, don't get all hostile and defensive.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Anonymous]

PP: can I ask where you are going now?

[Anonymous]

11:22 PP here - we moved to the Bright Horizons at the IRS and LOVE it. Can't say enough good things about the toddler room and the director and asst. director. The other families that we've gotten to meet are pretty great too

[Anonymous]

We just declined out spot too--I did not get a good feeling upon my first or second tour, but we put our name on the list as a fall back. We are sticking with our nanny share for now.

[Anonymous]

We've been out of FB for two years now after living through one horrible year. I still get PTSD when I drive by. I could not agree more with the poster who described the scene from the Wizard of Oz. I just feel bad that I didn't pull my daughter the first week we were there. Unless things have changed drastically for the better, which it doesn't sound like they have, don't do it!

[Anonymous]

We pulled our child out in September and now that she's in another daycare, we realize that First Baptist CDC is completely sub-par and reinforces the idea that city dwellers will tolerate just about anything even if its substandard. Our new daycare is leaps and bounds run better and our DC is much happier and we pay ALOT less.

[Anonymous]

PP can you share where you are? I'm trying to find a happy medium between the $2000 a month Bright Horizon centers downtown and something in the price range of FBC. Particularly with #2 on the way.

[Anonymous]

We had to leave the daycare for a few reasons, but I wanted to share that since the day my DS started (post flood/mold issues --see boards), up until he left, he had this awful chronic cough. We disregarded at the time, after taking him to his pediatrician, who said it was allergy related. However, since we've changed schools, the cough has subsided. We took him to a pulminologist, and they said that it was due to mold that apparently was lingering in the rooms NOT remodeled (probably in air ducts, etc.). Given the long term impact that could have had on us, I'm so glad we left, but boy, I am concerned about others there.

[Anonymous]

Is FBC any better since Carolyn took over as director?

[Anonymous]

We've had a great experience with the center, and think Ms. Carolyn has done a good job. We're in the Koala room, and notice Ms. Carolyn stopping by to help out the classrooms, etc.

[Anonymous]

Current FB parent here! Carolyn is much more engaged with the teachers and the kids than Ms. Toni. Ms. Debbie (who also teaches music to the kids once/week) is helping out too, and I think the vibe of the place is just better overall in the last few months. I see happy teachers and happy kids. I love that several of other teachers know my son by name and say hi to him, and that alot of the teachers are really warm and friendly.I think it probably is teacher by teacher, with some better than others, but we're happy and our son is very happy there.

[Anonymous]

Current FB parent here, too! My child is in the Panda room and we're happy with his care there. The lead teacher, Ms. Halcia is sweet and energetic. Ms. Carolyn is a great director and is so warm and welcoming towards me and my family. It's not as flashy and new as other daycares in the city, but we weren't prepared to pay the $1900-$2000 a month. Our child smiles when he sees his teachers and smiles when I go to pick him up. He eats well and naps well, so no complaints here!

[Anonymous]

Not sure why this got bumped, but I wanted to chime in that we're a new-ish FBC family after transferring from another facility and could not be more happy. Other than the inconvenience of the parking construction that started last week, we feel like it is warmer than our previous center. Our son's teachers are great in communicating their "lesson plans" for the month, and what is going on every day. Not to mention, during the cold winter, I'm so happy the little guys have a huge indoor place space to run around in.