Daycare in Arlington

[Anonymous]

I was planning to stay at home with my child when she is born this Fall. Suddenly though I'm getting cold feet and want to start looking into childcare options. I've been working in a high powered career for many years and the idea of giving it up is making me nervous. Where do I start in looking for childcare options? I know word of mouth which I will do but I feel like I'm a little late for that. I don't even know if I would prefer daycare or a nanny. I'm pretty clueless since I always assumed I would stay home.

[Anonymous]

hmmm which is more important baby or career....hmmm

[Anonymous]

If you go to the county website there are lists of both centers and in-homes. At this point you probably wouldn't get into a center for a while but you could get on waiting lists and start exploring in-homes.
I would also check out the nanny share section of the forums to look for possible nanny shares...but you would probably do that after the baby has been born.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:hmmm which is more important baby or career....hmmm

PP is right, looks like your DH will need to quit his job. That's clearly what PP meant, right?

I work the opposite of a "high powered" job, but I do a little slice of good in the world and I like it and its nice to keep doing it while the kids are tiny, to put away any money we can for a day where maybe one of us (probably lower paid me) will be able to be flexible or go part time for a few years if its needed when they are tweens/teens. If its not needed, then all is well we can just keep on going until retirement.

[Anonymous]

If your child is due this fall, yes, you are already way behind the curve for most centers in certain close-in areas. (Outer suburbs seem to have more options, I think, maybe because real estate is cheaper or more women stay home with their kids there?) If you're in Virginia, google "Virginia daycare inspection" and when the site comes up, put in your zip and see your options - every licensed provider should come up. At this point you're probably looking at nannies and in-homes, but you can also get on some wait-lists. care gets a little easier to find as kids get older and caregiver:kid ratios go down a bit. good luck!

[Anonymous]

Arlington County has higher standards for licensed in-home providers compared to the state. It's a great place to find a good in home. I drive from Alexandria to an in-home provider in Arlington and I'm so happy with her. Take a look at the providers listed here: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/HumanServices/pdf/file64699.pdf

[Anonymous]

PP - Which In home provider do you use?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP - Which In home provider do you use?

I'm the PP above - I use Rubina Bano. She's at capacity at the moment but she does datenight babysitting. She's friends with a bunch of other providers so she can point you towards others with openings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arlington County has higher standards for licensed in-home providers compared to the state.

well- yes and no. Arlington County regulates all providers, so you need a license to provide child care for just 1 child in your care. That is different from the State that only requires a license if it is more than 5? I think. But having been to many of these small providers- care for 1-3 children type places, and to some of the in-homes regulated by the state-- the state standards are much much higher. The state expects outdoor play space, meaningful interaction, etc. Whereas you can be licensed as a child care provider in Arlington county-- and keep 1-2 children in your living room of your tiny apartment with the blinds drawn and the tv on all day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arlington County has higher standards for licensed in-home providers compared to the state.

well- yes and no. Arlington County regulates all providers, so you need a license to provide child care for just 1 child in your care. That is different from the State that only requires a license if it is more than 5? I think. But having been to many of these small providers- care for 1-3 children type places, and to some of the in-homes regulated by the state-- the state standards are much much higher. The state expects outdoor play space, meaningful interaction, etc. Whereas you can be licensed as a child care provider in Arlington county-- and keep 1-2 children in your living room of your tiny apartment with the blinds drawn and the tv on all day.

Arlington Co has a lower ratio requirement than the state of Va. For example, the county has a 1 to 3 ratio for infants as opposed to a 1 to 4 ratio the state has.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arlington County has higher standards for licensed in-home providers compared to the state.

well- yes and no. Arlington County regulates all providers, so you need a license to provide child care for just 1 child in your care. That is different from the State that only requires a license if it is more than 5? I think. But having been to many of these small providers- care for 1-3 children type places, and to some of the in-homes regulated by the state-- the state standards are much much higher. The state expects outdoor play space, meaningful interaction, etc. Whereas you can be licensed as a child care provider in Arlington county-- and keep 1-2 children in your living room of your tiny apartment with the blinds drawn and the tv on all day.

Arlington Co has a lower ratio requirement than the state of Va. For example, the county has a 1 to 3 ratio for infants as opposed to a 1 to 4 ratio the state has.

Arlington County also has 2-3 unannounced drop-in inspections by social workers every year, in addition to any inspections that result from complaints. My understanding is that this is a higher level of oversight than VA provides. Their training requirements also seem to be longer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arlington County has higher standards for licensed in-home providers compared to the state.

well- yes and no. Arlington County regulates all providers, so you need a license to provide child care for just 1 child in your care. That is different from the State that only requires a license if it is more than 5? I think. But having been to many of these small providers- care for 1-3 children type places, and to some of the in-homes regulated by the state-- the state standards are much much higher. The state expects outdoor play space, meaningful interaction, etc. Whereas you can be licensed as a child care provider in Arlington county-- and keep 1-2 children in your living room of your tiny apartment with the blinds drawn and the tv on all day.

That's actually not true, arlington has some pretty vigorous standards regrading things like outdoor space, nutrition, etc. I actually was just looking this up earlier today.

[Anonymous]

My in-home daycare provider has an opening coming up in late August. She's been licensed and certified through Arlington County for the last 25 years. She's located in the Pentagon City/Crystal City area so it's quite convenient. She provides a loving environment, nutritious meals and a fun playful atmosphere. Give her a ring - Amanda Cottle 703-920-6537.