WASHINGTON, D.C. – A daycare center in Anacostia, known as the Baby Einstein Child Development Center, has reopened after being struck by two explosions. The center welcomed families back in a new, temporary space at the Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Southeast. According to Baby Einstein director Regina Snead, the church offered them the space, and they immediately started making plans to move in and offer daycare services again.
Parents dropped off their children at the temporary daycare location, expressing relief to have a familiar and safe place for their kids. It was the first time many of them had done so since the explosions occurred. On the morning of the explosion, Snead and her team detected the smell of gas and quickly evacuated all 16 kids to safety along Marion Barry Avenue. The blast, which happened shortly after the evacuation, leveled a convenience store next door and damaged the daycare’s original space.
Now reopened, Snead’s team is focused on replacing toys, belongings, and essentials lost in the blast, such as bottle warmers for infants. They are still welcoming donations to aid in their recovery. Looking ahead, Snead plans to work towards returning to the original space in Anacostia or finding another permanent location nearby. She also intends to meet with insurance representatives soon.