Karasik in Silver Spring

[Anonymous]

Wondering if anyone has feedback on recent/current experience with Karasik daycare center for their special needs child. We've placed our infant daughter on the waiting list. She has been diagnosed with a condition that may leave her with both intellectual and physical disabilities but we are not sure the degree of either. We toured the facility and it seems like a good option and with her diagnosis I understand that she will be a priority placement. I've searched the archives but I did not see much recent feedback here on the board about it. Would appreciate any thoughts good, bad or otherwise, particularly in terms of how the center met your child's needs as they grew.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Check in the daycare section. There is lots of positive info. I have had both my kids there- one has mild special needs that were diagnosed later in elementary school. We have loved it there!

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much PP! Will check in the daycare board archives.

[Anonymous]

Our son goes there, and we love it.

Granted, we are not dealing with special needs, but we see how kids with a variety of special needs are a part of daily life of the classroom and in special activities.

I have heard one mom comment on how nice it is that her child--with a complex condition--is invited to birthday parties like everyone else.

You mention you are not sure the extent of yor child's disability. The individual attention and assessment paid to every child is going to help you figure out what is going on with your daughter and get her the help she needs. Karasik is the third daycare we have used, and their attention to detail plus the supportive community at the school has been unparalleled in our experience.

I hope to see you there.

[Anonymous]

OP - I assume that you have your infant being seen by a developmental pediatrician at a major pediatric center who can help discern as early as possible what conditions your young child might exhibit and recommend appropriate interventions. It is key that if your child starts to receive therapy as from a physical therapist or speech therapist that you see if the therapist could visit the child care center or preschool to show the teacher/staff any interventions which might help your child's overall development and the staff in working with your child. It sounds like this is a great center for such a young child.

[Anonymous]

Our daughter's teacher from PEP transferred there a couple of years ago. She was one of the finest teachers I have ever met. Outstandingly dedicated.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks so much for the helpful replies! Great to hear about the individual attention for children. Our daughter is already enrolled in MC Infants and Toddlers and I know that their physical therapists come to the school.

Also glad the center attracts great teachers!

[Anonymous]

Easter Seals in Silver Spring would be your other option.