Anonymous wrote:Hi, debating about switching my kids (16 months and 4 yrs) to the Kinder Care at DOL given that I will be required to come into the office more often next year. We live in Fairfax County where my kids have been attending. I'm shocked to find out that I will save $2000 per month for 2 kids if we switch (I don't like the fact that I will have to drive to work everyday; well, the 3 of us can use HOV, but still). How is the quality of care at this Kinder Care? Please share anything you have to say about this place.

I toured DOL for my youngest (we ended up at another downtown federal Kindercare that my older son attended) and it seemed great. A few of our current daycare's teachers have moved over to DOL and they have been with Kindercare for a long time and were lovely. I ended up doing the drive downtown for the past two years because it saved us $1000 a month per child and don't have regrets. Since more folks will be coming into the office next year I'd factor in more traffic, but honestly the savings and quality of care were worth it for me. The highly recommended daycare where I live in NE DC was charging $2500 plus and extra $300 a month if you needed to drop off before 8am and pick up after 5pm, and another $175 per month for food. We had other factors as well (current daycare has private fenced in playgrounds, newer space, and we knew most of the teachers from when our son was there.)

Wow, $2,000 per month is a huge difference—that would definitely make me stop and think, too! It sounds like you’re weighing a lot of factors here, and it’s great that you’re trying to get as much info as possible.

I can’t speak specifically about the quality at the Kinder Care at DOL, but I’d definitely recommend scheduling a visit to see the classrooms, meet the teachers, and get a feel for how they interact with the kids. Sometimes seeing the place and talking to the staff can make a big difference in how you feel about a decision.

That said, if the commute and having all three of you in the car every day feels overwhelming, it might be worth looking at options closer to home. Have you heard of Crossroads Child Development Center? We’re in Fairfax County, and we’d love to welcome your little ones! Our classes are small, our teachers are super caring, and we focus on creating a nurturing, learning environment where kids thrive. Plus, it might save you from the extra hassle of the commute.

If you’re interested, I’d be happy to answer any questions or set up a tour so you can see if it feels like the right fit. Either way, it sounds like you’re doing a great job thinking this through for your family!

Take care,
Cameron
Crossroads Child Development Center
703-845-0021

Hi, debating about switching my kids (16 months and 4 yrs) to the Kinder Care at DOL given that I will be required to come into the office more often next year. We live in Fairfax County where my kids have been attending. I'm shocked to find out that I will save $2000 per month for 2 kids if we switch (I don't like the fact that I will have to drive to work everyday; well, the 3 of us can use HOV, but still). How is the quality of care at this Kinder Care? Please share anything you have to say about this place.