desparately seeking daycare (Arlington, McLean: daycares, house, elementary school)

[AnxiousMommy]

My husband just got a job in DC, and I will move from NY to follow him along with our 2 year old son - but only once I have found a good daycare program for our son. I work too, so I am looking for an all day program.
We are looking to set down roots, and have been told that there are good public schools in Arlington, so that is where we are focusing. But until our son is old enough for elementary school - can anyone help recommend good daycare? I have been searching the web for infomation, but there are few reviews out there, and there is often contradictory information. I am so confused and anxious!! We have our son in an all-day program here in NY now and it is working out well - lots of attention to the kids, different daily activities, daily feedback to parents. I would be very very grateful for any information you can provide!!

[smaug20000]

I can recommend a couple of different sources. First, you can check up on daycares through
Licensed Child Care - Virginia Department of Social Services (http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/licensed.cgi?rm=Details;ID=24320 - broken link);
Also, here is a thread about it on dcurbanmoms
Dodged a bullet thanks to DCUM - daycare nightmares!
I have also heard that Fun in Friends in McLean is very good, but I believe it is very hard to get in for a 2 year old. There is another center I've heard good things about, but I can't remember the exact name. It's on Spring Hill road and I believe sponsored by Booz Allen.

The problem in this area is that the good centers are very difficult to get into, so if you need something right away, a lot of people end up using nannies or in home daycare centers depending on which you like better and can afford.

Good luck with your search, it is very hard to get quality childcare in this area at an affordable price.

[mpascal]

In Arlington I'd highly recommend The Children's School. They are associated with the Arlington Public Schools, and do give priority to school system employees, but about 30% of the families are non-school. I'll say they're not cheap (but who is anymore...) and there is likely a wait list. Both of my children went there from the time they were infants until they started kindergarten and we're already on the list for our about-to-be-born. We never had any doubts with either of our kids. It was a fantastic place where they both thrived. The originial building they were in, in the Westover section of Arlington, is being rebuilt, so they're in a temporary location on Wilson Blvd. for the next year or so. But I would without hesitation recommend them.

[OrangeFish]

In Arlington I'd look at Children's House Montessori on Glebe Road. My friedn's son goes there and she raves about the place. My son goes to a preschool/full day center at NSF on Wilson Blvd but the wait list there is incredibly long and I'm sure you'd need a slot more quickly.

[jaywallace]

My youngster goes to Montessori as well. It's a pre-school, but I guess they watch the kids so you could use it as a daycare, with the benefits of learning.