How long are you already on the waiting list for CapKids in WDC?

[Anonymous]

I have a the following despairing experience with CapKids. It is one of the day-cares I really liked when I saw it and so I put my then still unborn child on the waiting list. We applied for a spot in July 2008. My son is on the waiting list since October 27 2006. I followed up on the waiting list with Ms. Linda on all these dates: 24 January (before being born), 21 February (after being born, 8 infant in front of us), 10 April (very probably a spot in September), 8 May (same, very probable a spot in Sept.), 14 May, 21 May, 12 June (no news, Sept looks still very good), 27 June, 27 August (the news were: new boss, Ms Linda is gone and now the news are: 1 year to wait to get a spot, and the standard response suddenly is: the siblings have preference, 21 November.

On 26 November I learned that there is for sure no spot until September 2008!! I cannot believe this. Why is it so difficult to get a spot in a/this daycare, I didn’t follow-up with another daycare because of the same reasons –you have the feeling from the beginning that you don’t have control and confidence in how the handle the waitlists. I am really despaired – and I feel somehow screwed. I am not American, does this matter? Is this normal or am I over-reacting?

Do the day-cares in VA or MD have the same problems in regard to waiting lists and inconsistency in waiting lists and directors and other personnel-turnover?

[Anonymous]

sorry, OP: we applied for a spot in July 2007 (not 2008)

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience. I do not know anything about that specific center, but we looked at a lot of centers in MD where we live (Silver Spring) and DC where we work. I think what you experienced is pretty similar to what occurs with many families in this area. Infant spaces are hard to come by and most centers give priority to siblings and whoever sponsors them, if anyone. Our first choice is Bright Horizons in the noaa building, but we were told when we registered that there were 22 siblings ahead of us, as well as noaa families and that we would probably not get in to the center until our child is 2. We found a nanny share for the time being and hope to get in to the center by age 2. Again, I'm sorry for your negative experience.

[Anonymous]

I had the same experience with them -- I think they lead you on unecessarily. Probably b/c the waitlist fee is so high. I went in there at least 5 times and was told that we were basically in (wink, wink, nod, nod). After 10 months on the list, I called when our son was born (in May) only to be told the roster for 2007 was full. I think they should be more honest about the wait list and be more organized.

[Anonymous]

I had a child there and it was pretty terrible.. be glad that you did not get in.. especially the baby room as I'd often see them unattended to in swings/saucers or cribs. Seek out NAEYC accredited schools for quality child care.

[Anonymous]

OP: If they would have told me upfront how the situation is, it would have made it easier but as done, I have counted on having a space much sooner. Thank you.