New to this, where do I even find out about preschools?

[Anonymous]

My son will be 2.5 next fall & I'll have #2 by then. I'm looking into working part time 3 days a week so I'm looking for 1 of 2 options:

1. A full day preschool/daycare that will take him just 3 days a week
2. A part time preschool (like in a church) that will take him just 2 mornings a week & he can go to his home daycare the other days. He will be the oldest at daycare & I'd like him to get some interaction with same aged peers which is why I'm looking at preschool.

What can I expect to pay for each of these options? Should I already be on a waiting list? I live in Del Ray. How do I find out about options in the area. Fairlington/S. Arlington would work as well.

Yes, I realize I am clueless so thank you for your help.

[Anonymous]

I don't live in your area - but I would start with google maps and looking for preschools in your area.

Then, just start calling. When you find something offering what you want, come back to this forum and see if anyone has any experience with the school (someone will!).

The next step is the tour.

I have no idea about part-time costs. Full time can range from $1K/mo to probably about $2K/mo

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

The first place to start is the Virginia Dept. of Social Services which lists all the licensed facilities and any violations they have. You can search by zip code or kind of facility (center versus in home daycare).
http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/licensed.cgi

You can Google the Alexandria, VA gov website for child care centers. Fairfax County has one which I've pasted below.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc/

You can then search individual centers from there. You'll have to check to see which have part time or full time care and the costs.
Most preschools start enrolling in Feb/March for current students. If there is any space left, then your son would have a shot. Preference is given sometimes to those who have taken a tour. Take tours now and get on any waitlists if you're interested. I might need to enroll my son in January if we want to guarantee him a spot for the Fall (he'll be 4).

[Anonymous]

Search on the net and phone book and ask around. Make sure you visit each place. You learn so much by meeting the director and observing. If you are looking into daycare preschools the sites given by PP can also tell you about violations. Just about every center has some violations, they can be really minor. Just make sure there aren't major violations.