I was very newly pregnant when I put us on the waiting list, and my son started in the Infant Room at the Joy Picus Child Development Center downtown when he was almost 10 months old. We have now been in every classroom, and I would recommend each to anyone looking for quality child care and early education. At the most basic level, I love having him right across the street, but aside from the convenience, the program is outstanding. The Center Director empowers her staff, engages with the children and communicates with parents. Truly, her door is always open. That sense of approachability extends to the staff, who are warm, nurturing and thoughtful caregivers but also excellent, highly trained teachers. I feel very fortunate that my son attends Joy Picus!
I have been associated with this amazing nonprofit for the past ten years. Both my children attended the centers as young children. Each year, before Covid-19 they would have an annual Alumni Picnic. We go every year. It's just about community.
The directors and teachers are amazing. They are all gifted in their own way. The board of directors are truly special people, who definitely want this non-profit to be the best it can be!
They truly want to be there for EVERY child. What I mean by this is MWPCCC has been known to cover the costs of the copayments for Pathways. No family has to pay the difference! To do this they have fundraisers, or simply donate by going to https://mtwashingtonpreschools.org/support/
I was concerned about taking my child to a daycare/preschool for the first time in an all-day environment. However, this organization, and Joy Picus Childcare specifically, allayed my fears. My child now asks about going to preschool and what the next day's activities will be. There is a good balance of teaching, art/dance, and outdoor activities. The teachers are excellent and deal with children in a supportive manner.