Our baby boy has been sick so much this winter that we've had the unfortunate opportunity to try…read moremany backup care agencies over the last few months. Some are consistently bad, some are consistently inconsistent and some are consistently good. A Mother's Prayer falls in the consistently good bucket. Not every nanny is Mary Poppins, but I can count on this agency to send someone competent and intelligent every time. This is very valuable to me - better than sometimes having someone who is amazing and sometimes having someone terrible. (Background: I'm a federal government employee accessing these agencies through the Bright Horizons portal.)

Used their babysitting service while I was on a business trip. The sitter came to our hotel and…read morewatched the kids while we went to the corporate evening events. The sitter was caring, reliable and had great communication. They even easily accommodates last minute schedule changes. Highly recommended.

I was really happy to find someone that I could trust to help me make good child care decisions,…read moreeven when I didn't think I had many options since I am so picky. She noticec of some things I didn't even know about and she was really fast with responding, which I like since I'm in meetings most of the day. I'm so grateful I got a few things crossed of my list just in time for the new year.

The professional and courteous service was above and beyond what I've received from other agencies…read more I've since recommended Ms. Jessie Marie to family, friends & colleagues.

Leaving Kiddie Academy of Alexandria is so bittersweet for our family. Both of our children have…read morebeen here since they were just 12 weeks old, and watching them grow up in such a loving environment has been a beautiful experience. It's the kind of place where everyone knows your kids, greets them with a smile, and treats them like family. We are so sad to say goodbye. The wonderful teachers will always have a special place in my heart, and I cannot recommend this daycare enough to any parent looking for a safe, loving place for their little ones. They really are the best.

I enrolled my daughter at this location with high expectations for a safe, nurturing, attentive,…read moreand structured learning environment. Unfortunately, my experience over time raised several concerns that ultimately led to me seeing the truth about this location. One of my primary concerns was basic hygiene and attentiveness. On multiple occasions, I picked my daughter up with visible food residue still on her face. I also observed dried nasal discharge on her face and even on the back of her hand, as if she had attempted to clean herself. I began noticing similar issues with other children as well, including children walking around with excessively runny noses for extended periods without staff intervention. I'm sure this is why the kids are always sick. In addition, there appeared to be a lack of situational awareness when it came to children's comfort and supervision. There were times where clothing did not seem appropriate for the weather, which further reflected a lack of attentiveness to individual needs. They would take the children outside without coats while it's cold. More concerning were multiple safety incidents involving my daughter that were handled in an extremely dismissive manner. One incident I personally witnessed on camera involved another child pushing my daughter three times back-to-back until she fell to the ground, while a teacher stood directly beside them without intervening. Later that same day, I noticed a bruise on my daughter's leg. When I reported this to the director, Erin, I was told the video showed my daughter "falling into the teacher's lap," which did not align with what I personally observed on camera. I was also informed that no incident report would be completed because the injury was not from the neck up. Another incident involved my daughter being struck in the head with a toy by another child, leaving her with a swollen bruise and lump that was black, blue, and purple. At pickup, staff appeared very nonchalant about the situation, simply stating that they "put ice on it" and that these things were "normal." While discussing this incident with staff, another child nearby was actively biting another child while staff stood around without immediately intervening. When I pointed this out, the response I received was dismissive instead of reassuring. I also observed what appeared to be inconsistent treatment and favoritism within the center. When I inquired about my daughter transitioning to the next classroom as she approached the appropriate age, I was told it would not be possible because of lack of space and something regarding the way they pick who goes to the next class. However, I personally observed the director's granddaughter transition out of the same classroom within approximately 2-3 weeks. She doesn't talk, isn't potty trained and is only two months older than my daughter. Her mom confirmed these things to me personally. This raised concerns for me regarding whether policies and opportunities were being applied equally to all families. In addition to these concerns, I often was dismissed when attempting to advocate for my child. Erin's communication style frequently came across as condescending, defensive, racist and lacking empathy whenever concerns were raised. Rather than feeling supported as a parent, I often left interactions feeling unheard and uncomfortable. I also recorded my second raised concern that I had with Erin. So if anyone wants proof on the way she handles things, I will send you the video! There were also instances where staff appeared more focused on phones and side conversations than actively engaging with the children. The environment is more like passive babysitting than a structured educational setting focused on child development and attentive care. My daughter went from talking and being expressive to crying and whining all the time. When I asked to speak to the owner Erin continuously lied and made excuses. For $525 per week (approximately $2,100 per month), parents should be able to expect attentive supervision, professionalism, cleanliness, accountability, and equitable treatment. Unfortunately, that was not my experience. Also the front desk worker Suzie as well is extremely disrespectful. I just left the school so upset that this is the way they handle people who pay their hard earned money. Erin is a liar as well. She claimed I was rude and used profanity when my child was hit on by another child. Which is a lie! Watch the cameras for one full day while your child is there and I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT WANT YOUR CHILD ATTENDING THIS EXPENSIVE BABY SITTER! UPDATE: Notice every response is signed "Karim B. (Owner) mine is "Center Administration and Compliance Team". Erin is in fact a big part of the problem. Parents can draw their own conclusions regarding how concerns are handled when serious safety and supervision issues are raised.

My daughter attended this daycare for several months. I first met Flori at a previous daycare, and…read morefollowed her to this one because I trusted her and I knew that she and my daughter had a positive connection. My daughter was just about a year old at the time. I was impressed at the ownership Flori took with her own new business. She created a great environment for the kids to play. They had fun toys to play with, books to read, and she also did art projects with them. This part of Arlington County is so difficult in terms of finding a spot in a daycare for children under the age of two. I was so relieved that with Flori, I had a seamless transition between the old daycare that closed and her new one that opened. I didn't have to take any days off work between the transition. Flori was also flexible with my schedule, and was happy to let Alexandra stay later if I thought I might need to arrive late from work on a given day. We stopped attending the daycare because we moved to Maryland.

Flori first watched our older son before he went to preschool (at a time when she worked at a…read moredifferent home in a home daycare). Now that she has her own place, she has been caring for our younger son for the last two years, from his earliest months. My husband and I both work full time, and with 2+ years of experience with Flori, we couldn't be happier. Our son adores her and always goes to her happily. Often in the first year, he would cry... when I came to pick him up! He loves being with Flori and we owe her so much for taking such wonderful care of him. Developmentally, Flori helped our son get into a napping/mealtime schedule as an infant, introduced him to many foods as a toddler, and is now working with him through potty training. She sends photos of their activities, including art, songs, and outdoor play, and he is always happy with her. He comes home singing songs in English and Spanish, counting, and talking up a storm. Flori also provides snacks and lunch, which is lifesaving. We also appreciate Flori and Garden of Dreams for flexibility. When we have needed to vary the hours (at either end of the day), Flori has been more than accommodating. She has also been open for many of the smaller closures that tend to affect schools but not working professionals, and has welcomed us bringing both our children to stay with her during snow days or lesser holidays. She has also provided babysitting in the evenings, which is a great resource to have. Flori has a great deal of experience working with children and has always gone above and beyond in doing anything that our son has needed. She loves him like one of her own and we've been very lucky and blessed to have her be the one to spend time with him every day during the week. I recommend Garden of Dreams highly.

Imagine being a single military parent new to the area, and tasked to attend a week long training…read moreout of town. Kidz R Us solved my dilemma and took exceptional care of my daughters. LeKeya was available immediately for an interview. She addressed all my concerns, and we worked together to come up with a plan of care. She kept me informed with frequent updates, accommodated meal plan requests, and maintained my daughters' routines. The most telling factor of great service was how happy my daughters were when I spoke with them. You can rest assured with Kidz R Us that your kiddos are in competent, professional hands!

I am so grateful to have Kidz R Us' service available to me! Keya (the owner) is so professional,…read moredependable, caring, and warm. Your kids will not be bored when they're with the Kidz R Us staff. I certainly felt like I could breathe more easily knowing my son was being cared for with Kidz R Us staff. I couldn't recommend them more highly! Thank you so very much for being there for our family!

Our daughter had a wonderful time at Mrs. Passa's daycare. The family atmosphere made it feel more…read morelike going to a grandparent's house than a daycare center. Our daughter really liked Mrs. Passa sometimes even running back to give her a small hug before leaving with us each day. You can tell that she really cares about the kids. She also always had great advice for my wife and I as new parents when we asked. Not to mention one of the best value daycares around, cannot recommend here enough.

Our daughter (now almost 2) has been at Mrs. Passa's Daycare for the past year - and we can't say…read moreenough wonderful things about it / her! Transitioning out of a nanny share into a daycare was nerve wracking for us first-time parents, but she made it so seamless. She's incredibly experienced and has taught us a lot along the way. Our daughter LOVES being there, her home away from home, which makes us super happy. She has learned so much while being there, comes home singing new songs, says new words (and before she could speak - she learned a lot of ASL at Mrs. Passa's), she eats way better at daycare than she does at home, and even learned how to walk with Mrs. Passa. We get pictures and videos of the fun they have - which makes being away from her so much easier knowing she's having a great time. My wife and I can't recommend her enough!

Our son began attending Amazing Child Care at the age of 13 weeks, and as new parents, we were…read morenervous and unsure of what to expect out of any child care/nanny situation. Amazing Child Care has been an incredible place for him and for us, as we never worry about his well-being, happiness and development. Ms. Celina is a positive teacher and role model for the kids, and she puts her degree in early child education and years of experience in larger day cares to fantastic results. Our son has developed very quickly (he is now a year old) and is always excited to arrive at day care, never fusses about being left there, and Ms. Celina has designed and implemented a unique program to suit his needs. Her day care is bright, cheerful, clean and full of toys that encourage play, learning and happy kids. There is a well-rounded schedule that includes art, music lessons, Spanish class and plenty of unstructured and structured play and learning. We are more than happy to serve as a reference for parents looking for the perfect day care, as we know what that search is like and are so very glad our search and concerns ended in finding Amazing Child Care.

The name says it all. This truly is amazing child care!! When I relocated for my new job I was very…read moresceptical about my son going to daycare since he's only ever been cared for by family. However, I can genuinely say Celina and her amazing spirit are just as good as family if not better. She takes individual care and focus to make sure your child's needs are being met. She's constantly working to increase cognitive, motor, and social development. This center can compete with the best of them. Each day she gives a progress report to let you know what your child actually did, what they ate, and what their bathroom activity was. Did I mention ALL the food is ORGANIC?! Stop the stressful search and give this hidden gem a chance. You WON'T be disappointed!!

Trish was a wonderful and helpful LCC when I was an au pair for almost two years in Gambrills, MD…read more I would like to thank her about everything she'd done for me

Trish is a great LCC, she is always there to hear you when you have a problem and help you with…read morethat, she is really kind

My little guy has been with Ms. Patty since he was 2 months old. He is now 3 years old and I cant…read moreexpress how wonderful, helpful and caring she has been for him and my family. It's time for us to move on to preschool but she has set him up for success! We consider Patty a part of our family. Cant recommend her enough!

Patty is the best person to take your child to for being taken care of! She has always been…read morereliable and completely trustworthy! Her facilities are in top top shape and I have confidence in her seasoned experience looking after children and I know she has a natural affinity towards making children feel safe and comfortable immediately! Every day is a fun adventure in her day-care!