What did you decide, OP?!

Anonymous wrote:SADS *is* that exceptional. Don't turn it down.

The volunteer requirements were started by myself and another mom in the late 90s. It is really nice to have parents involved in the classrooms, even though it is "just" daycare. And since we are ALL working moms there, we all know just how precious time is and there is very little competition or envy....it's not like how at my current school there are lots of moms who can work in the school lib for 4 hours in between pilates and lunch with friends. At SADS, the moms all know that each other is also dashing to work, or leaving early from work, while also putting in some time. It's much more collaborative and supportive.... "thanks for handling the holiday cupcakes; I'll crank out some decorations" . We're all in this together.

Annoying Queen Bees are everywhere.

SADS *is* that exceptional. Don't turn it down.

The volunteer requirements were started by myself and another mom in the late 90s. It is really nice to have parents involved in the classrooms, even though it is "just" daycare. And since we are ALL working moms there, we all know just how precious time is and there is very little competition or envy....it's not like how at my current school there are lots of moms who can work in the school lib for 4 hours in between pilates and lunch with friends. At SADS, the moms all know that each other is also dashing to work, or leaving early from work, while also putting in some time. It's much more collaborative and supportive.... "thanks for handling the holiday cupcakes; I'll crank out some decorations" . We're all in this together.

Anonymous wrote:

To the poster who is "annoyed" that SADS asks parents to donate time and $ - get used to it!!! Even public schools have auctions, fundraisers, etc. You sound like the typical working parent who moans and groans about having to support their child's school.

First of all, she didn't complain about giving money. ITA with her - I want to spend my free time doing fun things with my kid, not manning a bake sale or auction. I know my kid would prefer that I be with him vs. manning a fundraiser. Happy to donate some money.

It's minimal - 10 hrs a year or so per family (if I am recalling correctly).

And the time is spent on your kids - planning and executing fun things for them, like the end of school picnic, classroom parties, etc. Events that families generally attend together and that the kids of course, love.

To the poster who is "annoyed" that SADS asks parents to donate time and $ - get used to it!!! Even public schools have auctions, fundraisers, etc. You sound like the typical working parent who moans and groans about having to support their child's school.

First of all, she didn't complain about giving money. ITA with her - I want to spend my free time doing fun things with my kid, not manning a bake sale or auction. I know my kid would prefer that I be with him vs. manning a fundraiser. Happy to donate some money.

Anonymous wrote:To the poster who is "annoyed" that SADS asks parents to donate time and $ - get used to it!!! Even public schools have auctions, fundraisers, etc. You sound like the typical working parent who moans and groans about having to support their child's school. I bet you're a piece of work and a parent to be avoided.

I'm the one that posted that the time commitment "annoys" me. I didn't expect to receive such a harsh response for being honest. I hardly think that anyone who knows me would think that I'm a "piece of work." I go along with the volunteering and enjoy the time spent helping the school. It's just hard to fit it in with all of the other commitments that I have - family, extended family issues, job, commuting, etc. I just don't feel like I ever really have extra time to spare. The extra time I do have, I really want to spend with my kids. They are, afterall, in full-day care, so I miss being with them. Yes, you're right, I will have to get used to it volunteering. Thank you for the loving reminder. Just what I need from a fellow SADS parent.

To the poster who is "annoyed" that SADS asks parents to donate time and $ - get used to it!!! Even public schools have auctions, fundraisers, etc. You sound like the typical working parent who moans and groans about having to support their child's school. I bet you're a piece of work and a parent to be avoided.

Another happy SADs family for 1.5 years. Came from another daycare, have loved it. We actually find the donation of time requirement to be useful in bringing families together. Plus, the time goes towards your child's school, so it doesnt seem like a waste. PP, a tip, I also used to find it annoying. Try to volunteer at events where your child is there and able to run around a bit anyway, like the picnic. Feel like the school has a better sense of community than our past daycare, plus the involvement b/w parents and teachers is something I don't think you get in many daycares around here (we didn't have room parents in our past daycare for example).

Our child is happy, thriving, and learning. Loves "school." Can't ask for more...

All of this said, OP, if you think it will be too disruptive and you are happy where you are, then stay there. I'm sure you wont regret that. But, also realize that kids adjust pretty quickly and St. Anthony's will help you as best they can if your kid has trouble...GL!!

Keep in mind that St. Anthony's closes for 2 weeks per year, which I find to be very inconvenient. Also, think about your commute. SADS is good, but not worth the extra trouble if you are happy with your current daycare. The administration is wonderful and the teachers are good, but honestly, having been there for a while after being in another good daycare, I honestly don't understand all of the hoopla. You have to donate time every year, and as a working mom, I find this very annoying. I'd rather spend my free time with my children and doing things I want to do rather than being forced to work. Also, generally speaking, I find the SADS parents to be a little standoffish and snooty.

Before we started there, we really thought "how much better can it be?" But, we have been happier than we thought possible and I can honestly say that my three year old loves to go (pitched a fit the other morning because we ran an errand on the way to school). I expected the worst from transition (from a nanny) and after three days of crying, my DC smiles at dropoff and asks to stay longer when I come in the afternoon.

The administration is great, the teachers are wonderful and seem genuinely happy to be there, and there is just a sense of order, community, and happiness. I don't have direct tangibles about what makes it so great, but really, we went in expecting to be underwhelmed given the amazing reputation and our experience has been positively wonderful.

I wouldn't turn it down. My DC is a SADS graduate, and is now at St. Marys. At the time we got the call, we had a fantastic and loving nanny, and we decided the only reason we'd give her up is if SADS called. They eventually did when he was 18 months. He left there very well prepared for Kindergarten and scored very well on his progress reports. SADS is in a league of its own and in my opinion, the best facility in Alexandria.

We transitioned from another daycare and we love it. Our previous daycare wasnt bad, but there is just a nice sense of community at St. Anthony's, teachers are wonderful, and there is great communication from admin. It took our son a good two weeks to adjust and it was fine thereafter. You just need to do what is best for your family and dont look back. But, I do not think you can go wrong choosing STADS.

All I can say is that I turned it down because I didn't want to transition my son from his current daycare and because the location was slightly less convenient, and DS has grown and prospered nevertheless. I can say that I never spend time thinking how things would have been different if we had taken the spot. But if it is cheaper and you liked it significantly better, I'd consider the switch.

Seriosuly - don't turn it down. I have a 15 month old and I got a spot a few months ago (after being on the WL since I was 6 wks pg!) and turned it down because we just didn't need FT care. Now my work situation is different and I'm totally kicking myself in the foot. I also thought we'd never get in. I really, really, really wish we had taken the spot.

We were recently offered a spot at St. Anthony's for our three year old. DC is currently at another well thought of daycare in Old Town. He has been there only 9 months though. The transition was very difficult. He gets very attached to his caregivers and generally has a very, very tough time with these big transitions. I don't really have any complaints about his current center, though St. Anthony's was our preference between the two. I assumed though that he would probably never get in so I wouldn't need to worry about it. I've been pondering all weekend and really need to make a decision immediately, but just can't decide if we should go through another miserable month+ transition. St. Anthony's is also about $150/mo cheaper.

Anyone want to tell me St. Anthony's is so wonderful I would be an idiot to turn it down (or give any other advice)?