We switched to Oak Leather from another center a few months back, and have been very happy. The teachers and administrators have done a great job with our son, who is admittedly high strung and tempermental at times.

You should also check out infanttoddler.com - they are kind of a daycare co-op with a whole network of in-home providers. I'm sure they have some in your area, and they are licensed.

We love love love Martha Burrell, I'd highly recommend her.

I have friends that have used the Oak Leather Kindercare for the past 5 years and they are very happy with it. You may also want to check the Kindercare on Burke Lake Rd. It used to have a sketchy reputation but I hear it's really turned around under the leadership of a new director. Finally, there's good ol' Kiddie Country if you're looking for top-notch care. It's a center that feels very cozy and friendly. Your child has to be "school-calendar age" 2 though (i.e. he had to be 2 prior to September of this year) to get into the youngest class.

I don't know how I'd feel about an unlicensed provider. Is she going through the licensing process? Does she have paperwork to prove she's trying? If so, I'd consider her but without some sort of showing that she's attempting to be licensed, I think I'd steer clear.

Anonymous wrote:I didn't look at all the violations, but for the most part they seem administrative - so as far as Kindercares go, this one isn't too bad.

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/cc.cgi?rm=Details;ID=8787;search_keywords_name=kindercare

We had friends who used the below licensed provider and were quite happy with her. No firsthand experience, but they adored her.

Ms. Gretchen Hollenbeck
10310 Steamboat Landing Lane
BURKE, VA 22015
(703) 250-6034

Thank you! I checked the violations and agree they seem administrative and not too scary. I tried Gretchen and she gave me Hasna's name and number which is how we found that unlicensed provider but I appreciate that lead!!! Thanks for replying.

I didn't look at all the violations, but for the most part they seem administrative - so as far as Kindercares go, this one isn't too bad.

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/cc.cgi?rm=Details;ID=8787;search_keywords_name=kindercare

We had friends who used the below licensed provider and were quite happy with her. No firsthand experience, but they adored her.

Ms. Gretchen Hollenbeck
10310 Steamboat Landing Lane
BURKE, VA 22015
(703) 250-6034

We are trying to find a good fit for our family and sadly we are going from an amazing, licensed at home provider to having very few options. As such, we checked out a wide range of possibilities--including one unlicensed provider. She would provide our kids with access to a second language, seemed to really like children (not always the case with the other people we interviewed), had 2 helpers and would work with us on price. She also is pursuing her license and CDA. However, we are still nervous about the unlicensed aspect hence why we posted to see what experiences others had in that area (or with her specifically).

I am not trying to be mean...but why in the world would you send your child to an unlicensed provider?

Hello
I am hoping someone in the Burke area has had some experience (good or bad) with the kindercare on Oak Leather Rd or an unlicensed provider. We are specifically looking at Hasna on John Ayres Rd. If you have any information please share.
Thank You