U.S. Kids

[Anonymous]

Trying to find information about this center - looks like a number of positive reviews on here. Does anyone have any recent information to share? What are our chances of making it off the waitlist?

[Anonymous]

Are you in an agency that subsidizes it? It makes a big difference in whether you get off the list. I am, but one of the less involved. I visited and wasn't impressed - kids just bouncing around, doing their own thing with very little attention from the teachers. A little girl had just moved to the 1yo class the day I visited and was crying when I came in. She looked at me and raised her arms to be picked up. I asked the director if it was OK, she said it was, and I proceeded to carry her around and sooth her for the next half an hour. Needless to say, I would not have wanted that to be my daughter.

[Anonymous]

My son has been at US Kids for about 18 months and we love it.

It is an excellent center. Great communication, involved parents and the teachers are wonderful.

The kids are not "just bouncing around". There is free play but there is also circle time, field trips, my son can spell his name and he is not even 3 yet. Lots of arts and crafts, reading etc.

By the time my son goes to kindergarten we feel he will be very well prepared.

We lucked into a spot and are thrilled to be there.

[Anonymous]

kids just bouncing around, doing their own thing with very little attention from the teachers. A little girl had just moved to the 1yo class the day I visited and was crying when I came in.

My child has been at this center for a year, and I have never observed what you are describing. There isn't a 1yo class, so perhaps you're confusing it with another center.

I like the teachers, and I like the set up of the center. The teachers are always actively engaged with the kids, and never just sitting around ignoring them. The older kids go on lots of field trips, and do learn quite a bit during the day.

The website says that there will be openings in the older kid rooms (2.5 and older) in the fall - so if that's the age you're looking for, you should be fine.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. We did tour the center, and the only drawback I saw was that the older kids are all downstairs without sunlight. The "great room" was also downstairs with no windows. So I'm wondering if during the cold months that means my daughter will spend her entire day without any natural light. But then, I think I did that all the way through grad school and survived.... Maybe it's not that big of a deal? I forgot to look at my list of questions during the tour - anyone have input on their discipline and potty training policies?

[Anonymous]

My child loves the great room and when it the weather is ok in the winter (we do have some mild days in DC) they do go outside.

As far as potty training goes, the teachers are great with it. They will let you know when your child is ready and will totally work with you.

As far as discipline goes, there are no time outs. If there is an issue they will let the parent know. If you kid bites someone (and hey it happens no matter where you are) they tell you that your kid bit someone but do not tell you who they bit. Many centers are this way.

The teachers and the administration are great and very open to talking to parents about things.