Wow, OP, I think you're me. Or maybe my husband? Any other suggestions from the crowd? Thanks!

My DD is 14months so she is too young for School for Friends and Heritage is too far away. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm Ina similar position as OP.

We live in Brookland and work downtown. We are in love with School for Friends which has all the things you are dreaming of and more. It's at 22nd and P, which is a bit to the west of downtown, but we find it worth the trip over and it's right on the red line. It's tuition is likely to be around $1700 per month for full day, year-round tuition next year. You don't have to figure out aftercare or summer options. They have been in business for 30+ years and the director has been there almost that long. The kids spend at least 2 hours outdoors every day (even in rainy weather). There is a great emphasis on teacher development and diversity. The school is Quaker, but not highly religious in any sense. The kids learn to practice a moment of silence and there is a strong emphaisis on peaceful social emotional development. And they are play based. It's worth the extra few minutes to drive there. We are in our third year there and will send our next child next year when he's old enough.

My daycare has a preschool program:

http://www.heritagechildcare.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=18

We absolutely love it there! It's about 1 mile West of the Rhode Island Ave/Eastern Ave intersection. I don't think it's play-based though. The kids do get a lot of outdoor time, they have a wonderful playground area. The preschool teacher, Ms. Maha, has been there for a long time. The director there is amazing.

I will also say that I have heard bad things from neighbors about Gateway center in Mount Rainier. I have multiple neighbors that pulled their children out of there.

I would also like info on this.

I live in the greater Brookland area and I'm beginning to shop preschool/prek3 programs for my child for Fall 2014 (ridiculous, yes, but the DC charter lottery is only a year away so I feel the need to at least start digging for info).

I'd love to hear from other parents who have found some good options either in NE DC, along the Rhode Island Ave corridor, or in downtown DC.

I prefer a play-based curriculum and healthy dose of outdoor time. My ideal center/school has 1) a highly qualified director who thoughtfully guides the professional development of his/her staff; and 2) good options for before/after care for working parents.

I'm open to charter, nonprofit, or daycare-based options as well as (non-dogmatic) faith-based programs. Our resources aren't unlimited, but I'm wlling to shell out decent money for the right program.

Suggestions?