Applied to 5, got into 3.

Anonymous wrote:None. Went with a daycare that extends into preschool. Zero stress.

We did this too with my son. With my older daughter, we applied to two in Arlington. She was wait listed at both but was offered a spot at both in the end. We enrolled at the one that offered us the most days (5 vs 3).

In close-in NW DC, applied to 3, got into 2. Friends who got waitlisted at all of their schools still got into their first choice because there is a lot of movement in the spring and summer for the reasons 20:27 mentioned, also as families pick between multiple offers.

Anonymous wrote:OP here--this would be for a 3 day a week half-day preschool...not a daily daycare.

This confirms my sense that it is harder to enroll a new three year old because the returning students leave fewer spots. Oh well.

There are usually spots that pop up later in the registration process. People aren't able to potty train.as planned, move, lose jobs, etc...

Anonymous wrote:None. Went with a daycare that extends into preschool. Zero stress.

I am considering switching my son from nanny share to this type of daycare next year for just this reason. Are you considering applying your child to private schools after this, or going public/charter? I'm curious how the private schools look on daycare as a preschool option...horrifying that I wonder this, I know, but I'd rather be forearmed with knowledge. If you don't mind sharing your plans and thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

Depends on when you apply and whether you are applying for full day spots. We have found that many prestigious preschools that have open spots if you are flexible and able to go a few days a week or to a half-day program. So basically if you are applying for full day spots apply to more schools.

Also, if you meant pre-K and are applying to a school that starts at 2s or 3s (or even young) these are MUCH easier to get in to as a 4 year old in your area as many families drop out of their schools at that age and go to the DC public school programs.

Anonymous wrote:OP here--this would be for a 3 day a week half-day preschool...not a daily daycare.

This confirms my sense that it is harder to enroll a new three year old because the returning students leave fewer spots. Oh well.

Not necessarily. At many schools (ours at least) there are 10 spots for 2 y/o's per class and 12 for 3 y/o's. Since most people, including all the siblings, apply for the 2s class, there tends to be less competition for 3s.

OP here--this would be for a 3 day a week half-day preschool...not a daily daycare.

This confirms my sense that it is harder to enroll a new three year old because the returning students leave fewer spots. Oh well.

I applied to 2 in April for my twins (we just moved from overseas) and we got into both - NW DC/Bethesda area.

None. Went with a daycare that extends into preschool. Zero stress.