FAQ Center

Tuition is paid monthly via auto-draft through our BrightWheel billing system. Families receive invoices and receipts directly in the app.

Tuition is due weekly or monthly depending on family preference. Billing plans are selected during enrollment and can be modified if needed.

Yes — we offer a sibling discount when two or more children from the same family are enrolled at the same time. We'll share current rates during your tour.

We work with several local childcare subsidy programs. Reach out and we'll let you know if your specific program is accepted.

Yes. A tuition deposit secures your child's spot and is applied toward your final month of care.

Yes — breakfast, lunch, and two snacks are included for toddlers and older. Infant bottles and baby food are family-provided.

Pickup is by 5:30 PM. After that, a per-minute late fee applies so we can fairly compensate the teachers staying with your child.

Tuition typically qualifies for the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit. We provide a year-end tax statement with our EIN for your records.

Openings change weekly by age group and campus. Call us or schedule a tour and we'll tell you exactly what's available.

Waitlist length varies by classroom — infants are typically longest. Most families wait between 2 and 12 months.

Joining the waitlist is free. Submit our inquiry form or call us, and we'll add your child with your preferred start date.

Yes — we plan Fall openings well in advance. Reach out now to be considered for the Fall 2026 cohort at either campus.

No — each campus has its own classrooms and waitlists. We can check availability at both Leslie Avenue and Hume Avenue for you.

As early as possible. Many Alexandria families join the waitlist during pregnancy or 6–12 months before their target start date.

Tour the campus, confirm availability, sign your enrollment agreement, pay the registration fee and deposit, and complete BrightWheel onboarding. We'll guide you through each step.

Virginia requires an up-to-date immunization record and a physical exam form. You'll also complete emergency contacts and authorized pickup details.

Yes — when space is available we welcome mid-year enrollments and create a warm transition plan for your child.

Yes — families may move between Leslie Avenue and Hume Avenue when space allows. We handle the transfer smoothly so your child's routine continues.

We accept infants starting at 6 weeks old.

We serve children through Pre-K (typically up to age 5) and offer a summer camp for older children entering kindergarten.

Use the Schedule a Tour page or call us at 703-930-9043. We'll find a time that works for your family.

Tours take about 30–45 minutes and include time in each classroom plus Q&A with our team.

Just yourself and any questions you have. Children are welcome to come along.

Yes — we're happy to walk you through both Leslie Avenue and Hume Avenue so you can choose what fits best.

Yes — we can arrange a video tour for out-of-area or relocating families. Reach out and we'll schedule one.

Weekday mornings between 9:30 and 11:00 AM are ideal — classrooms are most active and you'll see learning in full swing.

Infants follow their own personal schedule for feeding, sleeping, and diapering — paired with floor time, tummy time, songs, books, and lots of one-on-one cuddles.

Our infant classrooms maintain low ratios that meet or exceed Virginia state licensing — typically 1 teacher for every 4 infants.

Absolutely. We safely store and serve pumped breast milk, and moms are always welcome to nurse on-site.

Families provide their preferred formula. We follow your specific feeding instructions as closely as possible.

Yes — families send labeled bottles each day. We clean and return them at pickup.

Families provide diapers and wipes. We let you know when supplies are running low through BrightWheel.

All infants are placed on their backs in cribs that meet current safety standards, with no soft objects in the sleep space. Teachers visually monitor sleeping infants while they nap.

Yes — through BrightWheel you'll get updates on feedings, naps, diapers, milestones, and photos throughout the day.

It's a dedicated space for crawlers and early walkers — designed to support new mobility, exploration, and language development.

Mobile infants spend more time on open floor exploration, sensory play, music, and group routines while still keeping individual feeding and nap schedules.

Generally around 12 – 14 months or once mobile.

A balance of free play, circle time, art, sensory, music, gross motor, meals, outdoor time, and rest — all in a calm, predictable rhythm.

With patience, consistency, and warmth. We name feelings, offer choices, and redirect — never shame. Our teachers are trained in positive guidance.

Yes — toddlers go outside every day, weather permitting, for gross motor play in our secure outdoor spaces.

Served at low tables with teacher support. We serve nutritious meals and snacks prepared fresh daily and accommodate allergies.

It's where independence really blooms — children learn to self-feed, take off shoes, share, listen at circle, and follow multi-step routines.

Yes — most two-year-olds take an afternoon nap on their own cot for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Yes. We partner with families to follow a consistent approach at home and school. We look for readiness signs and never force the process.

Both. We use a play-based approach to build strong early academic, social, and emotional foundations through hands-on learning.

Mornings include circle time, literacy, math, and project work. Afternoons feature outdoor play, art, music, and rest, with meals and snacks throughout.

Yes! We celebrate with a special circle, a song, and a non-food treat or family-approved snack.

Our Pre-K curriculum focuses on phonics, name and letter writing, math foundations, STEM, Spanish exposure, social skills, and the executive function needed for kindergarten.

Yes — children learn correct pencil grip and form their letters using Handwriting Without Tears-style guided practice.

Yes — we conduct ongoing readiness assessments and share progress with families so there are no surprises before the kindergarten transition.

A blend of academic skills (letters, numbers, name writing), social skills (sharing, listening), and self-help skills (bathroom, lunchbox, following directions).

We share regular progress updates and a formal readiness review in the spring before kindergarten so you have a clear picture.

Yes — we coordinate with Alexandria City Public Schools and several local private schools to support a smooth transition.

Many of our Pre-K graduates leave reading short words and writing their name. Every child progresses at their own pace, and we celebrate every milestone.

Families come into the center for pick-up and drop-off of their little one each day. This process is generally 3 – 5 minutes for a smooth transition each day.

Yes. Enrolled families can access secure WatchMeGrow live cameras to check in on their child anytime during the day.

We practice fire, lockdown, and shelter-in-place drills regularly and maintain detailed emergency action plans coordinated with local authorities.

Yes — all classroom staff maintain current pediatric CPR and First Aid trainings.

Children with fever, contagious symptoms, or recent vomiting must stay home. We follow Virginia Department of Health guidance for return-to-school.

We take allergies very seriously. We work directly with your family on safe alternatives, post classroom protocols, and train staff on EpiPen use.

Yes — we serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks prepared fresh daily for toddlers and older.

Yes — both campuses are operated as nut-aware environments with safe alternatives.

Yes. We store and serve pumped breast milk following safe handling guidelines.

Our teachers bring early childhood education credentials and experience, plus required state training in child development, health, and safety.

Yes — every staff member completes state and federal background checks, fingerprinting, and reference verification before stepping into a classroom.

Yes — staff complete annual professional development in curriculum, safety, child development, and inclusive practices.

Through the BrightWheel app — daily reports, photos, messages, reminders, and billing all in one place.

Yes — teachers share photos and short updates throughout the day in BrightWheel.

BrightWheel messaging is the fastest way to reach your child's teacher. You can also email or call the office anytime.

We hold formal parent-teacher conferences twice a year and welcome additional check-ins whenever you'd like one.

Yes — every enrolled family receives access to the WatchMeGrow live classroom feed.

Yes.

Yes.

We are open Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, at both Alexandria campuses.

We close for major federal holidays. Families receive the full annual calendar at enrollment.

We make weather decisions independently of Alexandria City Public Schools. Closures are communicated by 6:00 AM via BrightWheel.

Discovery Time Learning Center is at 1509 Leslie Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301.

Discovery Time Learning Academy is at 420 Hume Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301.

Both campuses follow the same curriculum and philosophy. Classroom mix and ages vary by building — we'll match your child to the right fit.

Yes — we're happy to walk you through both so you can compare and choose.

Both campuses are just minutes from Del Ray. Leslie Avenue is the closest by a short drive or walk from central Del Ray.

Both are convenient to Potomac Yard — most Potomac Yard families pick whichever campus fits their commute that day.

Hume Avenue tends to be slightly more convenient for Old Town families coming up Route 1.

Both campuses are an easy drive from National Landing — usually under 10 minutes outside of rush hour.

Discovery Time was established in 2014 and has been serving Alexandria families ever since.

Yes — Discovery Time is locally owned and operated, with the same leadership family deeply involved every day.

We've been voted Best Daycare and Best Preschool in Alexandria multiple times by local families.

Across both campuses we serve roughly 150–200 children at any given time.

We accept select childcare subsidy programs and offer sibling discounts. Reach out to discuss your family's situation.

For health and allergy safety, pets are not permitted on campus. Occasional visiting animal programs are arranged by staff.

Yes — families are welcome to share talents at special events, read aloud, or join classroom celebrations.

Yes — throughout the year we host family nights, holiday events, graduation celebrations, and community gatherings.