Really helpful information, thank you! What is the sibling discount at the Shoe?

6:14 again: The Shoe also doesn't take a lengthy break over the holidays, whereas RSCC (and many other daycares, honestly) do. They're closed two days each August for professional development, and most major holidays, but just for two extra days around Christmas. Very helpful.

Oops, I meant BCC.

Does anyone know if Children in the Shoe EW has a covered play area?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're at the EW Towers location of the Shoe, and have been THRILLED with the care our two kids receive. We have one in one of the preschool rooms (started there as a toddler) and another in a toddler room currently. We've been so happy with the teachers all kids have had, and now as our older child is in preschool, with the play-based approach they take. Worth every penny.

The Shoe is a really warm, supportive, structured place, and is *very* well-run. The directors are terrific. Seriously, we couldn't be happier there. We have friends with kids at RSCC and I've been less than impressed with some of their policies. I'm sure the care is great, but we're so happy to be where we are.

Policies?
- considering RSCC and wondering what you mean

-RSCC doesn't offer a sibling discount (the Shoe's is modest, but to me it's the principle of the thing)
-RSCC charges a waiting list fee (Shoe doesn't)
-Shoe tends to follow OPM w/rt inclement weather, RSCC is a bit more in line with MCPS/MoCo administration
-The Shoe offers PT care at all ages, and will work with you to set the schedule. They can't guarantee one, but they handle all the logistics.
-Preschool at RSCC (as per the people I know whose kids are there) is fairly structured, and the kids only go outside once a day to play. The Shoe still has them going out twice a day.
-The outdoor play area (at EW, at least), while not as pretty as RSCC, is also covered, which means the kids can be outdoors rain or shine. I've come to pick up my kids and it's pouring rain, and the kids are happily running around and perfectly dry. It's awesome.
-The whole mobile babies room, which seems great in theory, also means another big transition for the kid

Some of it is also just overall feel. Obviously I'm biased, but RSCC feels like a very fancy place, like a mini-Sidwell or something. The Shoe is very down to earth, while still providing excellent care. That's just more my speed, YMMV.

Anonymous wrote:We're at the EW Towers location of the Shoe, and have been THRILLED with the care our two kids receive. We have one in one of the preschool rooms (started there as a toddler) and another in a toddler room currently. We've been so happy with the teachers all kids have had, and now as our older child is in preschool, with the play-based approach they take. Worth every penny.

The Shoe is a really warm, supportive, structured place, and is *very* well-run. The directors are terrific. Seriously, we couldn't be happier there. We have friends with kids at RSCC and I've been less than impressed with some of their policies. I'm sure the care is great, but we're so happy to be where we are.

Policies?
- considering RSCC and wondering what you mean

We're at the EW Towers location of the Shoe, and have been THRILLED with the care our two kids receive. We have one in one of the preschool rooms (started there as a toddler) and another in a toddler room currently. We've been so happy with the teachers all kids have had, and now as our older child is in preschool, with the play-based approach they take. Worth every penny.

The Shoe is a really warm, supportive, structured place, and is *very* well-run. The directors are terrific. Seriously, we couldn't be happier there. We have friends with kids at RSCC and I've been less than impressed with some of their policies. I'm sure the care is great, but we're so happy to be where we are.

Hmm, I meant the toddler room near the front. I visited during afternoon snack time, but I looked around for bookshelves/toy bins and didn't see much. Maybe they're just stored elsewhere?

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for your replies! I will definitely report back after my tours, which will be in about a month.

I did visit RSCC. I liked what I saw during the open house, but was not impressed when I stopped in one afternoon to look at the toddler rooms. The room looked bare - not sure where all the toys were.

Do you mean mobile babies (in the back) or toddlers (near the front?) They've got tons! We've been thrilled there (2 kids now 3 and toddler).

My son was at the Bethesda location. We loved it there. The teachers are caring and helpful. The directors are absolutely amazing. We felt very comfortable with our son in their care.

Thank you for your replies! I will definitely report back after my tours, which will be in about a month.

I did visit RSCC. I liked what I saw during the open house, but was not impressed when I stopped in one afternoon to look at the toddler rooms. The room looked bare - not sure where all the toys were.

My son attends Family Academy of Bethesda, and he loves it. Great staff and nice home-like atmosphere.

I think it's generally thought that of the centers in the area the Shoe, Wonders and RSCC are the best.

I only have experience with the Rockville location, but yes, I thought it was an excellent center. I've actually had kids in four different daycares (ugh, wait lists and logistical hurdles) and I thought the Shoe was a great environment and excellent teachers. From speaking to the director at the Rockville location, I understand that East-West and BCC are extremely different environments and it's definitely worth touring both.

FWIW, I also toured a few locations in Bethesda and was not impressed. I hope you'll report back on your impressions of the two Shoe locations, I'm interested to hear about them.

I have Children in the Shoe tours setup for both East-West and BCC. Are there any big differences? I'm really hoping I like one or both AND can get my 2 year old in. I've toured many other daycares in the Rockville and Bethesda areas and have been less than thrilled.

Also, for anyone who has experienced/toured other daycares in the area, does the Shoe really stand out as outstanding?

Thanks for any info!