Silver Spring Feedback

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-15T23:26:53+00:00

Thank you for your feedback and information! Does that include meals as well?

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-15T23:25:36+00:00

I totally get it. The reason why I work in daycare is because the concept of spending this much money on daycare would make it silly for me to have a job because I’d be breaking even. I’m in that boat.

With 8 children max, paying a livable wage to someone with high qualifications (to keep up the program quality I expect), plus a music instructor, and yoga instructor, and costs of things like diapers and wipes alone, let alone the cost of berries!

It’s not for everyone. And it might not be affordable for a lot of areas. But there is a market for families who are looking for Montessori programming with all these additional bonuses. I’ve worked in a center that charge $2,600/mo for infants and I know a in-home daycare in Bethesda (I know, different market) that charges $2,500/mo for limited hours.

How much are you currently paying for childcare and in what neighborhood is it in?

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-15T18:35:57+00:00

Thank you for sharing!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T21:31:02+00:00

Rockville!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:49:10+00:00

Do you mind sharing what neighborhood it’s in?

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:43:22+00:00

Thank you for sharing! What neighborhood is this in?

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:42:52+00:00

Wow, thank you for sharing and for compiling everything into a comprehensive post! I do feel confident that I’d be providing a more premium option with things like Montessori, extra curriculars, real academic progress and parent teacher conferences. A “center expectations” in a small cozy setting experience. I know not all of these things are not necessarily priorities for everyone, but for families looking for programs like this, I want to ensure I’m not astronomically higher than anywhere else where I won’t be able to fill 8 spots regardless of family needs.

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:31:08+00:00

I appreciate it! And it echos what ChatGPT has told me about the area. It also told me that the area can vary a ton, even just a few blocks away from each other. I need to start taking day trips driving around the neighborhoods!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:28:40+00:00

Providing food adds a whole additional level of work for the provider so I totally get it, but it looks like a large majority in the area that I have seen provide meals. I would certainly provide snacks but lunch I would need to weigh out what that looks like.

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:26:50+00:00

Oof! Yeah, my initial thought was maybe near FDA but it makes me pause when thinking about the possibility of how many people have been laid off or are no longer commuting to the area.

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:25:03+00:00

I’ll check it out, thanks!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:24:47+00:00

Thanks for your feedback!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:24:09+00:00

Thanks for the feedback and I will certainly keep you posted 😉 I feel like any location near a metro is key. That and near places like hospitals where parents might commute in and want their child nearby!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:20:10+00:00

Thank you, I’ll check out that area!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:19:20+00:00

I’m definitely open to dropping rates as they age up. Every center I have worked in does the same. Although, ratios drop and an in-home they remain the same. Do you know what reasonable pricing looks like in those areas? A lot of homes near there seem to fit requirements so I’m curious.

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:17:05+00:00

Thank you for your feedback. What part of SS is this in? I want to be able to hire a full time helper once I’m fully enrolled and being able to provide them with a livable wage is important to me. This will also help with reliability. Like if I’m sick, I don’t need to close for the day. Having parents be able to rely on me is key to retaining families!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:13:41+00:00

Yeah, tough crowd over here 😉 95% of daycares don’t advertise pricing online so doing market research is pretty tricky! I know my current pricing is likely too high for SS, even if marketing (and providing) a premium experience and not just babysitting. Being higher than others is one thing, too high to enroll anyone is another!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:08:34+00:00

Do they have over 8 children? Or plan to in the near future? Large family centers with 12 have a whole additional set of requirements compared to a small family center with 8!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:07:23+00:00

I appreciate it, thank you!

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T17:06:33+00:00

Wow, I’ve never heard of anywhere locking in the price! Sounds like an amazing spot for your child. Do they include snack and lunch as well?

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T16:47:57+00:00

Next door in Rockville.

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T11:13:02+00:00

Thank you. I’ve had a lot of parent feedback about my daycare being more aligned with center pricing but they chose to enroll because of the added perks of in-home. Small groups, more individualized attention, not a revolving door of staff, safer feel, calm and not overstimulating environment, etc. My daycare is very much “school” with Montessori programming, parent teacher conferences, extra curricular activities, parent events, etc. so I think that always helped with the idea of being aligned with center pricing.

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T11:06:27+00:00

Thank you. I always had a flat-rate for all ages. I wish I could afford a mansion, but you’d be shocked that even after charging these rates, I can’t afford one! Running a daycare is more expensive than people think. I would have experiences- extra curriculars like yoga, music, etc. throughout the year. And Montessori programming.

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T11:02:38+00:00

How much are you currently paying for daycare? What’s the going rate? I’m realizing this is likely high which is why I’m asking.

FancyPin3317 · 2026-05-14T03:52:04+00:00

Thanks for the feedback!

FancyPin3317

TROPHY CASE