There are lots of non GSA run daycare nearRockville. As another post discusses, I think it's easier to pick a daycare near my home. This might not allow you to nurse at lunch, if that's what you wanted, though.

FWIW daycares in Rockville and Gaithersburg tend to be cheaper and have shorter waiting lists than those downtown. I locked in my DD's spot in March (right before she was born) for a late August start. You can always call them and ask about getting on the list early. It may not make a difference though. I did not get on lists super early and got offered spots at all but one center I toured and they only offered spots to siblings of current enrollees.

I can't speak to HHS or Rockville facilities, but my downtown daycare in DC didn't require a due date to be put on the waiting list, and I did not get off in the 11 months between putting myself on the list and the time I needed care (but then there was a pandemic and all the wait lists went out the window so I got in anyway). I'd say call the daycares and see what they say, if you're still deciding.

OP here- thanks for your reply, I actually called a few places and heard that many federal locations had not reopened. Thanks for the info.

I know this is a month late, but I am also a fed single mom, IVF person. You generally need a birth date or expected birth date to get on a list. The daycares are just contracted out to groups to run, and most don’t give a discount for federal employees. Also, if you aren’t going into the office everyday it really doesn’t matter if your daycare is on site or not. The one in our building closed for covid and has yet to open again.

I keep seeing people posting about super long wait lists for GSA run/ managed day care facilities.

I am an incoming HRSA/ HHS employee but will be based in Rockville. I am seeing that HHS has a facility but it is in DC. The ones near Rockville I wouldn't be at the top of this list as they aren't my agency. I am single and doing IVF, so have a little more control over when I get pregnant and need care. My budget is going to be tighter than a two- parent household so trying to see if this is a good option to save!

I plan to do a transfer in January (already have my embryos on ice), so would need care in January 2023. Will places let me get on their lists this early? Do people make up due dates way in the future, or make more reasonable one and push it back?

Any advice on this would be super helpful or preferred facilities!

This is where I am seeing information on this. Any other resources?
https://www.gsa.gov/resources-for/citizens-consumers/child-care/child-care-services/find-a-center-near-you/national-capital-region-11-child-care-centers