should I even bother looking for daycare in downtown DC?

[Anonymous]

I have an infant, currently in daycare a couple miles from home in Silver Spring. Currently I drive her there and back on our my way to work. I'm about to start a job downtown (South of the Mall/near the Capitol) and will start taking public transportation. Keeping her at her current location is doable but will get logistically more complicated. I'm nervous about being dependent on the metro to get me back to my kid at the end of the day (or midday if there's an emergency). Is it worth trying to get her into a center near my new job? Will likely cost us much more than what we're currently paying. Are the waiting lists ridiculous?

[Anonymous]

Look at the First Baptist CDC on 16th Street.

[Anonymous]

+1

First Baptist CDC has three one year old rooms and only two infant rooms so age one is a great time to try to get in (infant might be tough, but could be worth a shot--I know someone who got in very fast because another family moved unexpectedly). And tuition is more reasonable than other centers downtown. It will be going up to $1475/month in July for infants or ones.

You do have to pack lunch though, which was a pain at first, but we got used to it and have it down. I actually like it now--I think my child eats better and is less crabby at the end of the day.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Any suggestions closer to the Capitol? Dupont Circle would be fairly out of my way.

[Anonymous]

Will you have fed preference?

[Anonymous]

Infant care is ridiculously hard to get, but I don't think the prices downtown v. silver spring are that different. I recently moved to silver spring from DC and was shocked at how much centers (and in-homes) charge out there. It doesn't hurt to call around and make some inquiries, but I wouldn't get my hopes up unless you infant is closer to 1 yr old.

[Anonymous]

My son was in daycare/preK near my office until this year. It was a great convenience. Taking metro with a child isn't fantastic but being able to walk to pick him up or even stop in once in a while to say hi was great.

Now he is in elementary and he is 3 metro stops from my office. I often cut it very close timewise and somehow it has worked out, but there have been times when the metro was slow and I was concerned I was going to be late. When DC public transportation is standing between you and your child it can be very stressful.

Last week there was a HUGE delay on the metro. There was no way I was going to be on time as I couldn't even get on the metro platform. Luckily I left a bit early that day so I was able to hop on the bus. 40 min later I got to his school with about 3 min to spare. You just never know.

If at all possible I say keep the kid near you. Preferably within walking distance or a very short taxi/uber ride if there are issues with public transportation or you need to get there in an emergency.

Find a good place and get on a waiting list ASAP.

My center was in Foggy Bottom and I am not familiar with places near the Capitol. Good luck OP.

[Anonymous]

The more reputable federal centers (around where you work) have about a one-year waiting list for federal employees (longer for non-feds) and range from $1,500-$1,800 per month. That said, the caregivers at every center I visited (yes, the ones with the wait lists) don't seem like they love their jobs. I could never leave my child at a place like that. Others may feel differently, but I go with my gut on those things...

[Anonymous]

Tiny Findings in the GAO building (5th & G NW) has openings if your child will be one by October.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all! Yes I'm a fed. Already on the waitlist for the center associated with my agency but wondering which others I should also consider. No, my kid won't be one by October but good to be reminded that it'll get easier if I'm willing to wait.

[Anonymous]

It is totally worth it if you are a fed.

[Anonymous]

Totally worth it if you are a Fed. Not sure where you work, but I always hear good things about Commerce, DOJ, DOL, and US Kids. I'm sure there are other good ones, too.

[Anonymous]

U.S. Kids at 1425 New York Ave was AWESOME!

[Anonymous]

Just a different thought - we were in your position a few years ago, couldn't get in anywhere for infant care. We went the nanny share route and it was a lot less stressful, more intimate and moneywise, the same as a reputable daycare would cost you (about $1700 a month). If you are in a position to host, you may even get a neater house out of it.