Recommendations for Preschool/Daycare near WJ High School?

[Anonymous]

Hello,
We are new to the area and are looking for daycare for our nine month old. My husband works on Rockledge Drive, just around the corner from Walter Johnson High School, and we'd like something as close to that as possible. We're currently living with his parents off Falls Rd. in Rockville but are hoping to find a house in Bethesda as soon as possible (hence why we'd like something close to his work - its location is more stable than our home). We would be OK with an in-home daycare, but I'd feel more comfortable with a non-in-home (what's the term for that?) daycare. We need full-time as I (hopefully) will be starting work in September. Our son has never been to daycare so I'm apprehensive about this step. We have budgeted $2k/mo for his care, but of course would happily pay less if we found someplace high quality for less. I've read some reviews on here that have me terrified - I don't want any place that is going to leave him in a crib all day, but instead would like a place that holds and interacts with him.
Thanks for any and all suggestions!
Amanda

[Anonymous]

A lot of people love Rock Spring Children's Center, which is right by Rockledge. It's pricey, but has a great reputation. Getting a spot by September would be tough, though. Are you on any neighborhood listservs? That's where I tend to see the most recommendations for in-home places and various care options.

The term you want is center-based care.

Depending on where you end up in Bethesda, other terrific centers are Children in the Shoe and Wonders. Can't go wrong with either.

[Anonymous]

Great, thank you so much. We are on the waiting list at Rock Springs, but I was unsure about other options. I'll try and find some neighborhood groups to join.