Daycare in the Darnestown/North Potomac area- (I'm new to MD)

Forum Index » Preschool and Daycare Discussion
[Post New]06/16/2008 14:51
Ang
Member Offline
Does anyone have any experience with daycare providers in this area? I'm new here (moved from CO a couple of months ago) and could really use some opinions.

Currently, my son (19 months) is enrolled at Academy Hills in Rockville and it's okay. Don't love it, don't hate it. It's expensive though! Or, maybe not... it's $1895/month; I bring all food and snacks. My biggest peeve is that their enrollment in down so they've lumped a couple of crawlers (should be walking in the next 3-6 months, maybe?) in with the toddlers in an effort to eliminate one of their infant rooms.

I have a meeting with the director to see what the deal is w/the crawlers however, I just have "this feeling" that maybe I should see what else is out there. KWIM? I just hate that I know no one here to lean on for opinions. Hopefully this group will help! And, can I say how helpful the posts/forums I've read so far have been!!

And yes, I'm thinking about also looking into a nanny and/or in-home center's so if you have any advice in that area I'd love to hear it. We're currently trying for #2 so doubling that $1895 bill makes me a little tense. Yikes!!!

Thanks in advance!!!
[Post New]06/18/2008 10:28
Anonymous
First of all, welcome to DC.

My DS is two and is in a licensed in-home daycare called Robin's Nest. Robin has a great website (http://www.robinsnestchildcare.com/), and DS loves it. It is significantly less expensive than your current situation, which sounds expensive, even for the area. (I think most facilities are $1400 a month for you son's age group.)

Best of luck, and I hope you find some place you like better.
[Post New]06/21/2008 21:12
Anonymous
We looked at Robin's Nest and it really concerned us. We liked the director but the setup seemed unsafe and the ratios did not seem right. She told us that she is licensed as both a home and a center and used what I would call questionable math and logic representing the ratios. It was a lot of children in one area and separting areas with make shift furniture barriers did not seem like a great idea. I had some neighbors who had tried it before and they both advised that it was OK for the preschool set but would not feel comfortable using this center for an infant.
[Post New]06/21/2008 21:14
Anonymous
The Tiny Tots room at Academy Child Development at Stone Mill is good.
[Post New]06/24/2008 11:13
Anonymous
That seems very expensive for a toddler room, esp since you have to bring food. My son is in a well known large center and we pay "only" $1300/month. I found this link that might be useful: http://www.washingtonparent.com/guides/guide-childcare.html#maryland. Good luck!
[Post New]06/25/2008 22:50
Anonymous
My daughter is in the Shady Grove Early Learning Center near Shady Grove Hospital. It is soon going to move to the former location of the North Potomac Children's Center right off of Darnestown Rd. near Dufief. It is less expensive than what you're paying, and we've been happy there. It is not a "strict" facility. They are more laid back and based in play learning rather than in a strict routine. Personally, I have no preference either way as long as my daughter is safe and clean. They have a more strict program once they are in the preschool age. They don't currently separate infants and toddlers until they are 2, but they will in their new building (there isn't space where they are now). There are things we don't like, but I don't think you'll find any day care situation you will love every part of unless you fall into an incredible nanny situation. I don't even think I'd be 100% sure about myself taking care of my daughter if I wasn't her Mother! Haha.

There is also the St. James Episcopal Church in Potomac on Seven Locks. They only take children in July and September and have a long waiting list. You may want to check them out ASAP. I called some in home daycares and wasn't impressed. I think in VA they are better because you can find all sorts of information on their checkups Online.
[Post New]06/26/2008 21:33
Anonymous
My son is in an in home day care near Muddy Branch and Darnestown. He has been there for 2 years and absoultely loves it. We are there part time, but when we were full time, it was around $300 a week. I know she has openings now, though you would have to check with her on the infant ratio. She is loving and a former Elementary School teacher. She does circle time, songs, numbers, letters and stories, but mostly a lot of play with the kids. You can contact her at 301-258-0556. I am also happy to talk to you. You can email me at campbell0810@verizon.net.



[Post New]11/29/2010 17:25
Anonymous
Hi there - please do try St James' -- my kids have been there since 2006; you never know when openings may come up even if you are not on w-list. We love that school.
[Post New]11/29/2010 20:42
Anonymous
Another recommendation for St. James... they are truly wonderful....
[Post New]01/06/2011 13:54
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:We looked at Robin's Nest and it really concerned us. We liked the director but the setup seemed unsafe and the ratios did not seem right. She told us that she is licensed as both a home and a center and used what I would call questionable math and logic representing the ratios. It was a lot of children in one area and separting areas with make shift furniture barriers did not seem like a great idea. I had some neighbors who had tried it before and they both advised that it was OK for the preschool set but would not feel comfortable using this center for an infant.


I visited in Spring 2010 and had the exact same concerns. Additionally, her staff barely seemed to be 18 years old and were unprofessional. I work with someone who attended Robin's Nest as a child, and she warns me that it was an unpleasant experience. Kids are asked to remain outside too long, the director does not control her dogs, and there were too many kids.
Forum Index » Preschool and Daycare Discussion
Go to: 

Search   Recent Topics   Hottest Topics