Middle-Easterners in Burke/West Springfield (Fairfax, Raven: day care, homes, neighborhoods)

[Skapov]

Okay, now that we bought the home 3wks ago and are itching to shift over from Maryland to Virginia, I'm wondering how come all the ladies who provide Family Based Child Care in the home are Arab/Middle-Eastern? I've already interviewed and met in person with 3 people, and when I call people I find they are either from Phillipines, Hispanic, or Arab. Where are all the American (white/black) Stay-at-Home moms doing home-based care in Fairfax County?!

In addition, originally I was worried that Ravensworth ES wasn't diverse enough, being that it is only 2% African American (my son is biracial), but I just found that people of Arab/Middle-Eastern descent are classified as "white" by Fairfax County. And so, of the 55% "white" demographic of Ravensworth ES, what percentage are probably actually Middle-Eastern? According to City-Data, Burke is 69% white, but would you estimate that perhaps 1/3 of those are actually Middle-Eastern? Could it be that Burke is only 45% European-descended whites?

I'm only curious because some of the Middle-Eastern childcare providers have a rule that my husband can't do drop-off/pick-ups by himself, as non-related men are not allowed to visit the home alone without being accompanied by a woman. Yeah, not even to pick up our son! I'll be taking VRE to work downtown, so this is a problem.

[JEB77]

Skapov - Filipinos and Hispanics are predominantly Catholic, so I would not expect female childcare providers originally from the Phillipines or Spanish-speaking countries to have the types of restrictions on allowing non-related men to drop off or pick up their own children that you describe. Are you finding otherwise?

Yes - there are many families of Arab and Middle-Eastern origin throughout NoVa and Fairfax County and they contribute to the region's diversity. In general, these families are very hard working and their children tend to excel at school - much like Asian families in the area.

And not to quibble, but it's not Fairfax County that identifies these children as White. Instead, the parents select "White" out of the demographic menu provided by the Fairfax County schools (Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic White, Multiracial and Undesignated), which are required to gather such data under federal statutes and programs. Not sure about PG County, but my recollection is that Montgomery County expects parents to self-identify their children from even fewer categories than Fairfax.

Over the past ten years, the percentage of self-identified Asian students in the Fairfax schools is up 4%, the percentage of Black students has declined by 1%, the percentage of Hispanic students has increased 7%, the percentage of Multiracial students has increased 4%, and the percentage of White students has declined 15%. So, if Burke is like the rest of the county, you surely will find diversity in both the neighborhoods and the schools.

[Yankeesfan]

Skapov, you are the first to jump on other people in this forum for remarks that you perceive (correctly or not) as showing racial bias, so this post is definitely showing a double standard. If "some" of the home-care providers you've talked to have the no-male-alone rule, then some don't, so just hire one of them. Whether they're middle-eastern or not should be irrelevant. Asking for "American (black/white)" shows your own bias. Sorry to call you out but you were very harsh to someone who made a perfectly legitimate safety comment regarding neighborhoods around the Metro.

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by Skapov

I've already interviewed and met in person with 3 people, and when I call people I find they are either from Phillipines, Hispanic, or Arab. Where are all the American (white/black) Stay-at-Home moms doing home-based care in Fairfax County?!

American: 1 : an American Indian of North America or South America; 2 : a native or inhabitant of North America or South America ; and, 3 : a citizen of the United States.

Sounds to me like you have found "American" child care providers based on Webster's definition. If the child care provider's race/ethnicity is a criterion, you should probably place your own ad, offer at least 50% more than the going rate, and perhaps you'll find a stay-at-home mom who is willing to care for your child.

I don't mean to generalize, but I live in the area and the majority of the stay-at-home moms I've met are at home by choice. When they choose to work (outside the home PT or from home), none of them choose taking care of other children for a living.

[springfieldva]

Skapov - you are w-a-a-a-y over thinking the race thing. Why not get to know some of your new neighbors? See who they use for childcare. If you're lucky you'll meet some new friends.

Relax.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by Skapov

Okay, now that we bought the home 3wks ago and are itching to shift over from Maryland to Virginia, I'm wondering how come all the ladies who provide Family Based Child Care in the home are Arab/Middle-Eastern? I've already interviewed and met in person with 3 people, and when I call people I find they are either from Phillipines, Hispanic, or Arab. Where are all the American (white/black) Stay-at-Home moms doing home-based care in Fairfax County?!

In addition, originally I was worried that Ravensworth ES wasn't diverse enough, being that it is only 2% African American (my son is biracial), but I just found that people of Arab/Middle-Eastern descent are classified as "white" by Fairfax County. And so, of the 55% "white" demographic of Ravensworth ES, what percentage are probably actually Middle-Eastern? According to City-Data, Burke is 69% white, but would you estimate that perhaps 1/3 of those are actually Middle-Eastern? Could it be that Burke is only 45% European-descended whites?

I'm only curious because some of the Middle-Eastern childcare providers have a rule that my husband can't do drop-off/pick-ups by himself, as non-related men are not allowed to visit the home alone without being accompanied by a woman. Yeah, not even to pick up our son! I'll be taking VRE to work downtown, so this is a problem.

Personally, I would see it as an opportunity for your son to get "free" Spanish/Filipino/Arab immersion lessons.

As you know, the Nation's Capital is a diverse area that attracts people from around the world. Perhaps there is less of that international diversity on the MD side but it's definitely evident here on the other side of the Potomac.

The cost of living in NOVA is such that when one finds stay-at-home moms, their husbands are likely pulling in enough compensation so that they may maintain that lifestyle. If the people you're interviewing are indeed immigrants, child care may be one of their better options as their families get their proverbial feet in the door.

That is interesting to read about your take on Middle Eastern customs. I respect the beliefs in that regard but I would wager that it's cost some child care business.

[HereinVA]

Are these liscensed home day care providers? I'm actually surprised it's legal for them to discriminate in that way.

[JEB77]

Originally Posted by Skapov

In addition, originally I was worried that Ravensworth ES wasn't diverse enough, being that it is only 2% African American (my son is biracial), but I just found that people of Arab/Middle-Eastern descent are classified as "white" by Fairfax County.

I checked the stats for Ravenworth ES - it's roughly 4% African-American but it also has one of the highest percentages (@10-11%) of students identified by their parents as Multiracial of any elementary school in the county.

So....to follow up on the other poster's suggestion: RELAX! Fairfax is right up there with Queens NY as one of the most diverse jurisdictions in the country...you may have to look harder for child-care than in PG, but you will find the right person/facility eventually.

[claremarie]

White and black American women do not generally provide child care in northern Virginia, whether in their own homes or as sitters or nannies. This profession has been dominated by Hispanic, South Asian, and other immigrants for several decades.

[housewatcher]

Skapov wrote:

And so, of the 55% "white" demographic of Ravensworth ES, what percentage are probably actually Middle-Eastern?

According to City-Data, Burke is 69% white, but would you estimate that perhaps 1/3 of those are actually Middle-Eastern?

Could it be that Burke is only 45% European-descended whites?

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Why do you ask?