I know this topic has been brought up over the years, but with the pandemic influencing and shifting so many schools' policies and how they operate, it seemed like an update was in order about non-traditional kindergarten options in the area!

For example, several pre-k programs that my family visited this winter for next year's (Fall 2022) admission had drastically changed their amount of outdoor time since the last time we went round looking for our older children four years ago. Amount of screen time has changed too, and crucially staff. These are significant changes!

Please share Forest, Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio, Hybrid, etc (public or private) pre-k and kindergarten schools in the Northern VA, MD and DC area! Please include the location and the ages serviced (if you know) and what you admire about this school's offering.

New to the area, and new to the school scene families thank you!

As with so many services, this area is blessed an cursed with an abundance of choices-- anybody have a recommendation for an Infant CPR class they liked? Felt was worthwhile and the teaching "stayed with you"?
We are expecting our second in the fall and it's been 4 years since we took our last CPR class, we need a refresher!
Thanks in advance

As with so many services, this area is blessed an cursed with an abundance of choices-- anybody have a recommendation for an Infant CPR class they liked? Felt was worthwhile and the teaching "stayed with you"?
We are expecting our second in the fall and it's been 4 years since we took our last CPR class, we need a refresher!
Thanks in advance

Three years ago in a different state we welcome our DC into the world with the help of midwives and an OB standing by, after a high risk pregnancy (IUGR). We have moved to Alexandria, and I am now in the very early stages of my next pregnancy. I am 37 and have already experienced at 5 weeks some bleeding, which was watched at a recent ER visit and discharged with "threatened miscarriage" but still hopeful that we will be "ok". Forgive the TMI!

Even though I was high risk the last time, we had great midwives who carefully monitored me and baby and avoided a lot of intervention. I'd love to find a practice like that in Alexandria, if possible. Any recommendations?

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer!

Very helpful so far, thank you! Both are far (20 min) from us too, so we want to make sure it's worth the drive.
PP, written feedback is so important for follow up! That's a good note.

If you have experience with either one, do you mind sharing your thoughts? We're looking for PT and OT for our DS with genetic orthopedic complications, and we would love to make "the drive" (coming from Alexandria near Old Town) only once to get both therapies at the same location if possible. Both Good Beginnings and Children's Therapy Center offer both PT and OT services, and both appear to take insurance.
Did you like the therapist/s? Felt they were knowledgable on current therapy techniques? Were you consistently seen on time for your appointments? Did you consistently see the same therapist, or did you meet with a host of changing therapists?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated, thank you!

I didn't know about jill's house-thank you so much for that resource!

I haven't checked out the NIH website yet, didn't even occur to me that they would have support group information, so thank you for suggesting that!

pp we are looking at Agudas right now for the fall, got an acceptance letter this past week. We thought it looked good but we're concerned about some of the negative comments in this board about the program- would you mind sharing what your experience as a parent there has been? What do you like, what did you dislike? Much appreciated!

Wondering if anybody is able to shed some light on the differences between trinity mops and Agudas Achim preschools in Alexandria? Pros and cons of either program?
How much does the religious affiliation feed into the day to day curriculum? Is there good communication? Good family community?
Much appreciated!

Hi there, we are looking for recommendations for support groups of parents with special needs children. Our son has arthrogryposis (contractures of joints) and we are still in the process of diagnosing the cause. It would be wonderful to meet with other parents who have similar experiences. We are right now in Alexandria Virginia area, but anticipate moving to Belle View within the year. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance

Hi there! We just moved into the area and are doing some recon on the elementary schools in Fairfax and Arlington. Do any elementary schools have drama or theater as separate classes during the school day (not afterschool or enrichment clubs, but during the school day). Thanks!

Came looking today on the boards to see if someone had addressed this very topic! Any suggestions for places to accept textile recycling in Virginia? Nova?

Anyone able to weigh in on this center? How is it for little ones (sub 4 years old?) Thanks!

God bless you.

We just relocated to the area and have to admit we are missing our former farmer's market's selection of duck! Any suggestions for good "from the farm" duck breast?