Finding daycare from a distance in a new COVID world

[Anonymous]

Hi all. I’m a single mom of a 2 year old moving to DC in the fall. I will need full time care for my son, will be working around Penn Ave and 6th street and hoping to find housing in Capitol Hill.

With things the way they are, I will not be able to do an advance trip to find housing or Visit daycares. Plus daycares aren’t allowing visits anyways it seems. So I need some real life recommendations.

I’ve been looking at daycare options near my office since I don’t know for sure where I will live, but would love Capitol Hill recommendations too. I want to be able to walk or bike us to daycare/work. Want an engaging program, clean facility, caring teachers, healthy food. Outdoor space would be great but I know that’s a challenge. I’ve looked at the chains such as Kindercare and Bright Horizons, but not sure how to find smaller operations or even in-home childcare that is really good. Google isn’t helping much.

I am concerned that with new COVID restrictions such as smaller class sizes, even existing families might not have spaces, much less new families. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[Anonymous]

I don't have recos in Capitol Hill, but once you get them, don't be afraid to ask if they offer video tours. Some daycares I contacted were offering that. And there actually has been a lot of movement on lists, so you may get lucky!