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Preschool and Daycare Discussion
Advice/recommendations for in-home daycare in Arlington
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Anonymous
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My husband and I are looking for in-home daycare providers in N.Arlington. I have the list of registered providers from the County but wanted to see if anyone had any experience/tips on finding a good daycare provider? Thanks! S |
Anonymous
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The one we used is called Mi Casita (it is home-based, but liscenced as a business and therefore has a name). It is run by Emily DiChicco (I am probably butchering the spelling). It is bi-lingual. Very loving but VERY expensive. My son left for preschool in Febrary, and we heard the price went up again (It was $1650 a month when we left).
For the majority of time my son was there, it was wonderful. There are three ladies and they watch nine kids. They don't use any TV (there is no TV in the area where the kids are). There is a separarte room for sleeping, and they take the kids outdoors a lot. The ladies are very very loving. I always felt like my son had three nannies instead of "day care providers." They only take kids up to 2.5 so that they can focus on caring for younger ones (we've seen some kids stay longer - they are fine with it unless the kids are growing bored). It is open year-round except holidays and a few floating days (you are told the schedule a year in advance). They have regular substitutes to replace staff due to illness or vacation. Due to an illness of one of the ladies, there was a month period where I think they got by with 2 staff. We weren't happy about this, but understood since it was due to illness. From what I have heard, they are back on track with 3 staff. So great ratio, but you pay for it. Otherwise, it terms of general searching. Determine what you do or don't want. Do you want the food to be provided or not? Do you want a separte sleeping area or not? Are you OK with the one's that are one person to five kids (we weren't because who watches the kids when one is changing diapers and they are closed A LOT). Are you fine or not fine with TV? If there is anything that is deal breaker, ask it over the phone. Then go look at the place. We looked for a place that had a separate "daycare" area in the home (usually the basement). I didn't like the ones that had TVs (personal choice) or that wanted us to drop a car-seat off to take the kids places (trust issue for me, and inconvienet). Other questions to ask: How often do they close? Same days/weeks each year or does it change? Do they have substitutes for when the staff is sick or on vacation? Do they take the kids outdoors? Will they apply sunscreen and sunblock? Are they peanut free (if you care). Do they have pets? If so, do they keep the pets separte. Look at where they keep the kids. Does it look safe? Are there babygates? Does it look clean. Is the yard gated or at least difficult to get out off. Can you easily communicate with at least one staff person (we found this to be a problem in many). |
Anonymous
| That's great advice....thanks you so much! |
sbergman
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| Depending where you are in North Arlington, also consider Falls Church City. I found a provider for my 2 year old that was on my way to the West Falls Church metro. I pay a bit over $200 a week so apparently the rate varies. My provider takes care of a few kids in her home by herself. |