Deciding between nanny & daycare in Shepherd Park

[Anonymous]

We are moving to Shepherd Park this spring and are trying to figure out the best childcare arrangement. We have a 19 month old son and are expecting another baby in August. The toddler has been in a nanny share since the start and is a very social, active little kid. Our current nanny is willing to work in our new neighborhood, but I am worried there aren't enough activities in the immediate neighborhood to keep our toddler occupied. Our nanny does not drive. We think he would enjoy/benefit from daycare, but we also love the convenience of a nanny especially with another baby on the way.

I would appreciate people's thoughts on nanny vs. daycare in the Shepherd Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Are there enough activities within walking distance and enough of a "nanny community" to occupy the toddler and the nanny? We are moving up from the Adams Morgan area where there has been a lot for the kiddos to do. Should we consider daycare instead, and if so, could you recommend any centers for both a toddler and/or an infant? Lastly, does anyone know of any part-time daycare/schools for toddlers in the area the nanny could take him to?

Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

Isnt downtown Silver Spring walking distance from shepherd park?
It might be too far, i cant remember. I used to babysit once a week for 5 hours for a family in shepherd park. I drove so not quite the same. There were a couple of playgrounds within walking distance of their house and we went to Silver Spring a lot. One of the kids did a Gymboree class there, plus there was a fountain in the summer.

[Anonymous]

It might be a bit longer drive than you might want but Evergreen School has an excellent half day toddler program. St. Luke’s could also work.

[Anonymous]

A lot of nanny’s
Go to the schoool playground and story time at Shepherd park library

[Anonymous]

We moved to SP five years ago with a then 1-year-old and honestly, other than the library and the playground, there wasn't (still isn't) a whole lot to walk to. Our nanny did use our car regularly to take the kids to Rise & Rhyme at Busboys in Takoma, to Music Together, Ellsworth Park, and the library in DTSS, etc. Not that it's impossible to walk or take public transport to those places -- it is -- but it was a LOT easier with a car.

As the Walter Reed redevelopment moves forward, more nearby activities will likely crop up, but by then your older child will be in school!

[Anonymous]

I would go the nanny route, but find one who drives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would go the nanny route, but find one who drives.

+1. Lots of nannies (and au pairs) in the neighborhood, but I think many nannies drive.

Also think about joining the Shepherd Park listserv, where you can ask questions about nanny and daycare recs.

We moved here 6yrs ago with a toddler, and love the neighborhood. Welcome!