Every parent knows that the first few years of a child’s life are a whirlwind of growth and change. One day they are taking their first wobbly steps, and the next they are chattering away in full sentences. This incredible journey from toddlerhood to preschool is a time of immense development, physical, emotional, social, and cognitive. At Discovery Time Learning Center, we understand that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. We believe that exceptional early childhood education must be as dynamic as the children themselves. That’s why we have meticulously designed our programs to be tailored to the specific needs and developmental stages of every age group, from 16 months all the way to preschool.
Our approach is rooted in the understanding that children at 16 months are exploring the world through their senses, while three-year-olds are learning the art of friendship, and four-year-olds are preparing for the structure of kindergarten. Each stage is a unique chapter in their lives, with its own set of milestones and challenges. By creating distinct, age-specific curriculums, we ensure that every child is not just being cared for, but is actively being guided and supported on their individual developmental path. This isn’t just about providing a safe place for your child to be during the day; it’s about fostering their curiosity, building their confidence, and laying a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
The Power of Play-Based Learning at Every Age
We often talk about the importance of play, but what does it really mean in a structured learning environment? For us, play is the primary vehicle for learning. It’s not just “free time;” it’s a purposeful activity that builds critical skills. Our expert teachers use play to introduce concepts in a natural, engaging way. A group of toddlers stacking blocks isn’t just playing—they’re learning about balance, cause and effect, and problem-solving. A preschooler building a fort is using their imagination, practicing cooperation, and honing their fine motor skills.
By tailoring our play-based activities to each age group, we ensure that the learning is always relevant and never overwhelming. We introduce new materials and concepts at just the right moment, building on what they’ve already mastered. This allows children to feel successful and confident, which in turn encourages them to take on new challenges. Our teachers are trained to observe and engage, asking open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and creativity. This method transforms simple playtime into a powerful educational tool, making learning an exciting adventure rather than a chore.
The Toddler Room: A World of Discovery (16-24 Months)
The journey at Discovery Time Learning Center begins in our Toddler Room. For children between 16 and 24 months, the world is a new and exciting place to be explored with every sense. Their main goal is to figure out how things work and what they can do. Our program for this age group is built around sensory exploration and mastering foundational motor skills. We provide a safe, secure, and stimulating environment where they can freely move, touch, and discover.
Daily activities are designed to support their rapid physical development. Think climbing, crawling, and running in a safe space to improve gross motor skills. We also focus on fine motor activities, like picking up small objects and scribbling with crayons, which are crucial for future writing skills. Language development is a key area of focus, with our teachers constantly engaging in conversations, singing songs, and reading books to build vocabulary and communication skills. Most importantly, we prioritize building a strong sense of trust and security. Our caring teachers provide the consistent, nurturing relationships that toddlers need to feel safe enough to explore their world.
The Two-Year-Old Class: Building Independence and Friendships
As children transition from toddlers to two-year-olds, a new stage of development emerges. They are gaining a sense of independence and are ready to start interacting with their peers more intentionally. Our two-year-old class is a vibrant, active space where children are encouraged to express themselves and learn how to share and cooperate. This is the age where parallel play starts to evolve into group play, and friendships begin to form.
Our curriculum for this age group introduces more structured activities while still maintaining a focus on play. We introduce simple routines, like circle time and group art projects, to help them learn about following directions and working together. We continue to build on language skills with story time and simple vocabulary games. Potty training is often a major milestone at this age, and our patient teachers work closely with families to support and encourage this journey. We provide a balance between structured group activities and individual exploration, giving each child the space they need to grow at their own pace.
The Three-Year-Old Program: Exploring the World with Curiosity
Entering the three-year-old program marks a significant leap in a child’s development. They are now more confident, curious, and eager to learn about the world around them. Our curriculum for this age group is designed to channel their natural curiosity into meaningful learning experiences. This is where we begin to introduce more complex concepts through hands-on, thematic units. We might explore topics like the seasons, different animals, or the community around us.
Social-emotional development is a major focus. We help children understand and express their feelings, learn to resolve conflicts with their words, and practice empathy. Group activities become more collaborative, with children working together on projects and engaging in imaginative role-play. We also begin to introduce early pre-literacy and math skills in a fun, pressure-free way. This might include recognizing letters and sounds through songs, counting objects, and identifying simple shapes. Our goal is to make these foundational skills feel like an exciting game, setting the stage for a positive attitude toward school.
The Four-Year-Old Class: Kindergarten Preparation & Beyond
Our four-year-old program is the culmination of everything we do at Discovery Time Learning Center. This class is specifically designed to prepare children for the social, emotional, and academic demands of kindergarten. While we maintain our commitment to play-based learning, the activities become more structured and intentional. We focus on building the specific skills and knowledge that will give them a head start in their elementary school journey.
Our curriculum for this age group includes a strong emphasis on pre-reading and math skills. Children practice letter recognition and phonics, early writing skills, and number sense. We work on developing their attention spans and ability to follow multi-step directions. We also continue to refine their social skills, encouraging them to be independent, confident problem-solvers. Our teachers create a classroom community where every child feels valued and supported. By the time they graduate from our program, they will be well-prepared, not just academically, but also as well-rounded, kind, and confident individuals ready to embrace their next big adventure.
A Partnership with Parents
We believe that a child’s education is a partnership between their parents and our staff. We are a resource for you, providing not just daily care but also regular communication about your child’s progress, milestones, and daily activities. We are always available to discuss your child’s unique needs and to work together to support their growth. Your child’s well-being and development are our top priority, and we are committed to making sure you feel confident and comfortable with the care they receive.
Our tailored programs, experienced teachers, and nurturing environment all come together to create an exceptional early childhood experience. Whether you need full-time, part-time, or drop-in daycare, we are here to support your family’s needs.
Contact Discovery Time Learning Center today to learn more about our tailored programs and to schedule a tour! We are proud to provide exceptional childcare for families in Alexandria, VA.
FAQ Section
Q: At what age do you start accepting children?
A: We accept children starting at 16 months of age, provided they are walking independently. Our programs are then tailored for various age groups up to preschool.
Q: How do you handle transitions between age groups?
A: Transitions are handled with great care and communication. When it’s time for a child to move to the next age group, we work closely with the child and their family to ensure a smooth, comfortable transition. This includes introducing them to their new classroom and teachers gradually, and providing consistent reassurance to make the change a positive experience.
Q: Do you offer part-time or drop-in care?
A: Yes, we understand that every family has unique needs. We offer a variety of flexible options, including full-time, part-time, and drop-in daycare services to accommodate different schedules. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific needs and availability.
Q: What is the teacher-to-child ratio in each class?
A: Our teacher-to-child ratios meet or exceed state licensing requirements. We maintain smaller class sizes to ensure that every child receives the individualized attention and support they need to thrive. The specific ratio varies by age group to best serve the developmental needs of the children in that class.
Q: How do you support children’s emotional and social development?
A: We integrate social-emotional learning into every part of our day. Our teachers are trained to model positive behaviors, use calming techniques, and help children identify and express their feelings. We encourage cooperative play, teach conflict resolution skills, and foster a sense of community within each classroom.
Q: How do you communicate with parents about their child’s day?
A: We believe in open and consistent communication. We provide daily updates on your child’s activities, meals, and nap times. We are also always available to chat in person during drop-off and pick-up and can schedule longer meetings to discuss your child’s progress and goals.
