**emisi**

[candreco]

I replied to your "Crap." thread about daycares too, but wanted to make sure you saw this. Finding daycare SUCKS.

If you're actually in NoVA, check out Infant-Toddler Family Daycares (www.infanttoddler.com). It's a network of in-home daycares that are regulated, inspected and has it's DCPs continuously trained by a non-profit. They'll give you a list of providers that have openings near you, and there are usually several to pick from. We actually were able to get one lined up within days of our first daycare not working out six weeks in. Rates are really reasonable for the area, with meals provided through a USDA program.

We loved our provider and were really sad to leave when DD started full-time preschool, and friends have their daughter with another provider and are really happy there too.

[emisi]

Oh, fantastic. Thanks! I have been freaking out about it a little today.

[candreco]

Believe me, I know the feeling. Our first provider (not through ITFDC) had to quit on us with no notice after six weeks. It was awful at the time, but turned out to be a really great thing for us when we found this one. It's really the best of both the smaller, more personal in-homes and the more regulated centers. They even arrange a back up provider if yours is sick or whatever.

Good luck!