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Sounds like they didn't do anything at your Orientation. Didn't you have time to ask the teachers/staff questions?

At the orientation (which I was told nothing about what to expect) they sat me down to fill out a form about what language is spoken in our home, took my daughter across the room to take her picture and ushered me out the door to file her registration (which I'd already done weeks ago in person). This wouldn't have been so bad if she hadn't been nervous on the way there and I'd told her that I would be with her the whole time.

Luckily, she was fine, but I was expecting her to be mad at me. I could have used a heads up though.

They mentioned nothing about supplies, buses nor teacher assignments. And I most certainly did not even get to see the teachers b/c they were all in the room where they were holding the kids.

I know nothing still and am not impressed. I will check online though.

There is also Hope Montessori (not really sure where Oakton is) that goes up to 6th or 8th grade inside the beltway if you need to commute the other way.
In the Springfield area there are two Montessori schools on Backlick Rd. St. Marks and The Springs. St. Marks didn't have space in the full day program anymore, so we didn't look but The Springs did and we were all set to go this fall - until we moved to MD. I got a good feeling from the place, but never actually attended.

In Kingstowne Alexandria there is La Petite Academy on Charles Arrington Dr which is where our children went from 5 mths on until our move last month. There were a couple of small things I griped about along the way, but after looking at many options here in MD I really had it good and just didn't know. This place is professional, caring and they always make time for you and your kids. I highly recommend them (they are a little pricey) but it's worth it for sure!

Good luck.
My rate for a 10 mth old (who started in June) is $350/week. You pay monthly and have to pay 1/2 month deposit as well. It's a great place for younger kiddos, providers are very loving!

Agree with what's been written. At our daycare I've seen floaters come in the infant room to let another caregiver take a break. And they sometimes will shift some of the older infants into the 1-2 yr old room or vice versa to accomodate schedules/breaks as well. But regardless they ALWAYS maintain the ratio. The other night when I was picking up my son, the teacher from the 1-2 yr old room was pestering the woman in charge of my kid to come and relieve her. She had to remind her that while mommy was here they still had 4 babies and she couldn't leave. That's how seriously they take it.

Crickets? No one has/had kids in their preschool class?
can't tell - website doesn't name any staff. Is the one in SS still open?
So, many moms here seem to like the SSPC infant and toddler care but I haven't heard much about the 3/4/5 class. Anyone recommend this program for preschool or do most folks move on to the Waldorf or Montessori?

We had our DD signed up for Montessori in the fall but are now moving from VA to MD and need to find preschool on short notice.

Thanks.
R
I don't remember if I just knew I was pregnant or not. However, I will say that although I was taking tests weekly, based on the age of the fetus at our 8 week appt, about three of those negative tests were wrong. Oops.
We have done the same as PP. We use the Fairfax Co Rec Centers who publish their classes in a book (and online) called Parktakes. You do not have to be a member at the center to take the classes, registration for the summer starts May 15th and many classes fill up early.

We have done swimming (which she LOVES) and her class is now alone - I don't have to get in with her! They can start this at 3 (if you're comfortable with it) but do not have to be able to swim independently. Did soccer, but she didn't like it, although her school friend did really well. And we're currently in dance class which she does pretty well in.

They have karate, gymnastics and other classes for this set. If you are a SAHM or are able to do weekday classes for any reason, there are more options available. We also did Zoom Around the Room which is in their soft play room at 2 1/2 but they take kids up to 5 and it's a great way to let out energy during those cold winter months!
We have anguished over our DS's plagiocephaly/bracheocephaly since December and finally have some relief. Our dr recommended we have a consultation for a slightly misshapen head from being on his back. My DH raced out and bought Bumbo Seat and Exersaucer to boot. Went to consultation at Cranial Tech and left feeling slightly slimy and preyed on. It was like a used car dealership. StarCranial and KidCap were all too eager to see us as well but it didn't come to that.

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING CALL THESE PEOPLE: http://www.inova.org/healthcare-services/pediatrics/types-of-services/pediatric-craniofacial-program.jsp


For those of you who want more infor here's the low-down:
1. Cranial Tech is not Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Provider (the other two are).
2. Covers 60-85% the rest is out of pocket -IF medically necessary.
3. Was told I would pay up front and ins company would reimburse but spoke w/ins and they were confused by this statement
4. Was told his "deformity" was moderate because it was visible by Cranial Tech, not incidentally b/c of his measurements!
5. Went to INOVA folks (free) who hold a clinic twice a month, and was told he was FINE and did not need helmet.

Unbiased opinions from these folks. Why don't the drs just refer us here instead of to the companies? Anyhow, good luck to anyone who goes through this themselves.
Our daughter went through the same thing. It should end soon if he's a good sleeper in general. It sucks being woken up in the middle of the night as a parent who just got used to sleeping again and now your adrenaline is kicking. But if it's like it was for us, one night he just won't wake up screaming and that's that. You are handling it like we did.
My 3.5 yr old DD loves helping with my 5mo DS but I will say that has been much more EXHAUSTING running after a toddler/kid through the last months of pregnancy and sleepless nights with the infant. I don't know that has anything to do with the age gap though.
As for the two of them, they get along fabulously but I will withhold final judgement until he is big enough to take her toys! And while I can see where people may think that European vacation won't work, we are entertaining the idea. There are ways to do it I think.
I'm not a SAH and I will say that the daycare bill is more than my mortgage but cheaper than if I had them closer together I guess. I CANNOT wait until the oldest is in K so we can afford to do something. Waiting another year wouldn't have been the end of the world.
Good luck!
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