Wilson Lane Children's Center, Bethesda

Our child was in the infant classroom and received phenomenal care from the kind, caring, competent teachers and staff who really loved the kids. We highly recommend WLCC based on our excellent experience!

We sent our son to Wilson Lane Children's center starting when he was four months. -- Staff -- We loved seeing him interact with Ms. Janette and Ms. Alejandra (a wonderful mom and daughter duo) and other long time staff like Maria. Ms. Eloma does the rounds and helps as needed, and is friendly and helpful. There are numerous routines (reading, play time, outdoor time, bricolage) that make the children feel in a safe space. -- Facilities -- Wilson Lane Children's Center runs in the basement of the Korean church on Wilson lane. The basement has large windows, with outdoor access so that kids can come in and out when the weather allows. The floors are well cleaned and so are the toys, and every room has more than enough to keep the kids busy and learning. We loved the big red buggies that infants will ride out, and the outdoor play area surrounded by huge trees. It feels safe. There has been some HVAC/smoke issues in the past, as it is an old building. Yet, any problem is addressed quickly. -- Population -- I'll add that the staff and parents that send their kids there are diverse, and it's not just because it's in the basement of a Korean church. You'll find children and parents of all nationalities, like Sri Lankan, Korean, Taiwanese, Columbians, Persians, and even Canadiens (yes, we matter!). It's a very inclusive space. Parents are generally very involved, from the Halloween parade to other activities. -- Admin -- This is a mom and pop operation, quite literally. Eloma runs the daycare with her husband, in a small office in the basement. Receipts are word documents, and announcements are in the form of email chains that often spiral in a CC reply-frenzy among the parents. And yet, it all works smoothly. You'll get a printed sheet with your kids activities every days, and written list of things you need to bring to the center (e.g., out of wipes). -- Summary -- In the area, you have few options especially if your little one is less than 2. We felt that WLCC provided the best combination of the structure of a daycare with the socialization and activities that come from having 30 or so children around. It's a family operation, and we couldn't be more pleased. We've all had to make alternative arrangements during COVID, but if I had to trust our son into anyone else's care during this time it would be Eloma and the center.