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Hi Bethany: I've been at Ft. Lewis for about a year now. We live on post for the convenience factor; however, there are some nice communities (Puyallup, Lacey, Dupont) close to McChord if you choose to live off base. The communities I mentioned have the better schools as well; however, I wouldn't bank on easily finding a teaching job - i.e. our part time nanny is a laid off elementary school teacher with several years of experience and excellent references. I would avoid housing in Tacoma, Lakewood, and parts of Spanaway.
As far as non-vax friendly Peds practices are concerned, I'd suggest you go to Fir Creek Pediatrics in Lakewood. The office is very crunchy and personable. The post/base medical facilities are pretty crowded, so you should have no problem getting a waiver to go off base if you ask for one at the Tricare office while in-processing. Lastly, Washington does allow for personal choice vax exemptions for public school registration; however, as you probably know, base youth services will not accept vax exemptions (except medical).
There are lots of military mamas on Mothering from McChord & Lewis. I hope you enjoy your time here in the Pac NW, and please don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions.
Welcome!
Originally Posted by mmeehs17 We will be pcsing to McChord in a few months from Massachusetts and I'm wondering if anyone here is from there/currently living there. We have a son who will be entering Kindergarten this fall. I'd love any suggestions on areas to live/avoid. We prefer more city/suburban and less rural. We like to be where there is "civilization". We are a non-vax family. Not very "crunchy" at all, but I'm open to what other people practice and non judgemental, even if not my cup of tea. So... are the drs. overal non vax friendly? Schools? I know there are religious and personal exemptions (already use the religious one with my son for preschool here and no worries, and his ped. doesn't give me any grief). Comments? Concerns? Where to look for housing. I also recently went back to teaching high school (French) in an urban school out here. What are the prospects like out there. Thank you, Bethany |
As far as non-vax friendly Peds practices are concerned, I'd suggest you go to Fir Creek Pediatrics in Lakewood. The office is very crunchy and personable. The post/base medical facilities are pretty crowded, so you should have no problem getting a waiver to go off base if you ask for one at the Tricare office while in-processing. Lastly, Washington does allow for personal choice vax exemptions for public school registration; however, as you probably know, base youth services will not accept vax exemptions (except medical).
There are lots of military mamas on Mothering from McChord & Lewis. I hope you enjoy your time here in the Pac NW, and please don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions.
Welcome!
