Preschool Recommendations (Alexandria) (Richmond, McLean, Fairfax: day care, houses, income)

[Rebirth321]

Good morning,

I'm moving to Alexandria next month from Bowie, MD. I'm trying to locate a full day preschool for my four year old daughter either near Richmond Hwy. or near Old Town. If not an actual preschool, then a day care provider who uses a preschool curriculum.

I'm working with limited funds. I can afford about $600/month.

Any suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated. My move-in date is September 1st.

[Yankeesfan]

This might help:

ChildCare, Daycare Information for Virginia & Washington DC

[rose421]

The Frog Pond preschool/child care is located off of Route 1 near Huntley Meadows park, not too far from the Old Town area. Parents speak highly of it. Not sure about the tuition, from what people say it is worth checking out, the school's website is
Frog Pond Early Learning Center Home

[Rebirth321]

Thank you for responding. I did check Frog Pond about a month ago. The tuition is $1,200/month, $14,400/year, which is way beyond what I can afford at this time.

Thanks again.

[Yankeesfan]

To be honest, I think you are going to need to find a home childcare provider rather than a center on the budget. I know it's difficult. Next year will be easier with kindergarten, but I know that doesn't solve the problem now. Here's one resource:

Child Care Search - Fairfax County, Virginia

[Rebirth321]

Yes, I agree, I may have to settle for another home care provider. I have called several of the providers from Fairfax County's Child Care Central listing.

My issues with home care providers are: 1) most home care providers don't have substitutes, so when they don't open, I have to find a back-up (and like now, I still have to pay for the provider's absence, as well as, pay the back-up) and 2) it's not easy finding a provider with children the same age as my daughter (four years old). The home care she attends now, she's the oldest. The other children are three years old or younger.

Well, I guess I need to be realistic. My little girl just may not be able to go to preschool.

Tomorrow, I will visit one school and a few home care providers who are in my price range. Hopefully, my daughter and I will be happy with at least one of them.

Thanks.

[claremarie]

Some Fairfax County public schools have pre-K classes for children whose families meet certain income guidelines. Graham Road Elementary, in the Falls Church part of the county, has a Head Start class. Lemon Road Elementary, on Idylwood Road near Route 7, houses the Falls Church/McLean child care center, which is a public/private initiative serving children of low-income working parents. If you already have a place to live, you might contact the local elementary school to see whether they have such a program. Even if the school doesn't have a preschool program, they are probably the best resource for helping you find an affordable nearby program.

[Rebirth321]

I earn too much money for Head Start. I would be able to qualify for child care assistance with Fairfax County, however, Fairfax County government do not have any funds available at this time. I've been put on a waiting list.

The elementary school in my district is Fort Hunt. Fort Hunt has a preschool cooperative, which I would love to be able to send my daughter, but the volunteer requirements of the parents I would not be able to fulfill. The parent(s) would have to volunteer in the class at least once every three to four weeks. I'll be starting a new job on September 4th. Missing work that often would not be wise for me to do. I'm a single mother. All responsibilities are on me...solely.

Thank you for your suggestions.

[slim04]

You should try Hopkins House in Alexandria. It's $1,000 per month, but they give scholarships to lower income families. It's worth a shot.