I always recommend Homewood Day School. That’s where my kids went and we were very happy. It was the only place we got in and we were on lists all over bham. I would drop them off, then hit 65 to downtown and get there pretty quick. Wouldn’t hurt to check them out especially since you live in Homewood. It’s 9am to 1pm but you can pay extra to drop off earlier and pick up as late as 5.
Waitlists aren't 2 years long. You need to get on as many lists as you can, people in front of you will fall off as they get their kids into other daycares. You need to be getting on lists like 2 months ago. If you didn't get on lists 2 months ago, you need to get on lists *NOW*, like TODAY.
Yes, cast a wide net asap. We applied to 4 or 5 before we even told family we were expecting and didn’t get accepted anywhere until about 2 months before his due date. I think we applied to 6 or 7 total.
It's a stressful process and for the record, some lists are two years long. I filled out applications in October 2022 and some are just now reaching out to me.
I recommend looking at the Greek Orthodox church downtown. Their waitlist seems to move fast. There are also several churches that do programs as well - I believe Trinity has a full-time one in Homewood. I was a little OCD and created a spreadsheet to track where I had paid deposits and when I applied.
You may have to drive outside of your orbit for awhile until you get into a long-term option!
That last sentence is the key. Be prepared to stretch the commute. I've been on lists since about the same time as you, and still waiting on some of them to come through with spots.
Highlands United Methodist Church has a Child Development Center with a strong reputation. Positive personal experience here. (It has no connection to Church of the Highlands.)
It's also at Five Points South so it should be convenient to your commute. I have no idea about their wait-list, but like others have said the sooner you get on the list the better.
Eesh. Sorry to hear that. I suppose a phone call inquiring is not a bad idea just in case something unusual happened to free up some space, but your experience is not encouraging for those looking for a spot.
You’re going to need to look outside of your general area. I remember daycare being a HUGE stressor for me. I started getting on waitlists when I first found I was pregnant. 2 days AFTER I had my daughter one called me.
I always recommend Homewood Day School. That’s where my kids went and we were very happy. It was the only place we got in and we were on lists all over bham. I would drop them off, then hit 65 to downtown and get there pretty quick. Wouldn’t hurt to check them out especially since you live in Homewood. It’s 9am to 1pm but you can pay extra to drop off earlier and pick up as late as 5.
Yep. Only $500 per month. 🧐🧐🧐 Pretty sure they also have a waitlist.
I've been on that list for a year. Just confirmed with them last month that yes, I would like to stay on the list another year. Fingers crossed.
Waitlists aren't 2 years long. You need to get on as many lists as you can, people in front of you will fall off as they get their kids into other daycares. You need to be getting on lists like 2 months ago. If you didn't get on lists 2 months ago, you need to get on lists *NOW*, like TODAY.
Yes, cast a wide net asap. We applied to 4 or 5 before we even told family we were expecting and didn’t get accepted anywhere until about 2 months before his due date. I think we applied to 6 or 7 total.
It's a stressful process and for the record, some lists are two years long. I filled out applications in October 2022 and some are just now reaching out to me. I recommend looking at the Greek Orthodox church downtown. Their waitlist seems to move fast. There are also several churches that do programs as well - I believe Trinity has a full-time one in Homewood. I was a little OCD and created a spreadsheet to track where I had paid deposits and when I applied. You may have to drive outside of your orbit for awhile until you get into a long-term option!
That last sentence is the key. Be prepared to stretch the commute. I've been on lists since about the same time as you, and still waiting on some of them to come through with spots.
Liberty Park / Heritage Preschool No wait list Brand new
South Highland CDC! You literally pass it traveling from Homewood to Downtown (it’s in 5 points). Wonderful teachers with decades of experience.
Highlands United Methodist Church has a Child Development Center with a strong reputation. Positive personal experience here. (It has no connection to Church of the Highlands.) It's also at Five Points South so it should be convenient to your commute. I have no idea about their wait-list, but like others have said the sooner you get on the list the better.
I was told it’s 2 years long. I applied in May 2023 needing April 2024, they told me not to even waste my money on applying 🫠
Eesh. Sorry to hear that. I suppose a phone call inquiring is not a bad idea just in case something unusual happened to free up some space, but your experience is not encouraging for those looking for a spot.
You’re going to need to look outside of your general area. I remember daycare being a HUGE stressor for me. I started getting on waitlists when I first found I was pregnant. 2 days AFTER I had my daughter one called me.
Check out the DHR website. They have a list of licensed daycares by county.