GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. What age groups do you accept?

We welcome children:

• From New Born old to 5 years old at Del Ray, Alexandria VA location

• From New Born  old to 5 years old at Cameron street, Alexandria VA location

• From New Born  old to 12 years old (afterschool) at Lorton Va location

We have age-appropriate classrooms for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and older kids.

2. What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday to Friday, from 7 am 6 pm. Extended care may be available upon request.

3. Do you offer part-time or drop-in care?

Yes! We offer full-time, part-time, and limited drop-in care options depending on availability. Please contact us to learn more about current openings.

4. What’s the difference between your daycare and preschool programs?

Our daycare focuses on nurturing care and early development for infants and toddlers, while our preschool program provides structured learning and kindergarten readiness activities for children ages 3–5. We believe that every child is special and we are very good in leading each child to learn and develop on their own pace. We are an accredited program and have been servicing our community's child care needs since 1999.

DAILY ROUTINE & CURRICULUM

5. What does a typical day look like for a child?

A typical day includes a balance of:

• Free play and structured learning

• Circle time

• Arts & crafts

• Outdoor play

• Snacks and meals

• Nap/rest time

We follow a consistent routine to help children feel safe and confident. Children love consistency and feel safe when it is implemented. . Consistency also helps children develop a strong and healthy self-esteem.  Therefore, we have a daily schedule for each classroom that our preschool follows. 

6. What curriculum do you use?

STREAM = Science/Technology/Reading/Engineering/Art/Math. We use a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Our Preschool Activities include STREAM = Science/Technology/Reading/Engineering/Art/Math 

7. Do children spend time outside?

Absolutely! Outdoor time is a vital part of our day. Weather permitting, children enjoy up to 30 minutes in the morning and up to 30 minutes in the afternoon of supervised outdoor play daily in our secure play area. During summer, we add appropriate outdoor activities to help children enjoy playing outdoor our daycare canter safely. Example, of the activities: "Splash Water".

MEALS & SNACKS

8. Do you provide meals and snacks?

Yes. We provide nutritious, child-friendly snacks and meals. Our menu follows health guidelines and is updated weekly. You may request to view it at any time. We cater daily lunches from a very good local catering service company that we have been using since 1999. You may request to view the menus at any time.

9. Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Yes, we take allergies and dietary needs very seriously. Please inform us of any allergies, and we’ll work with you to create a safe and suitable food plan. All our staff are Food Service managers certified.

HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY

10. What are your health and safety procedures?

• Staff are certified in CPR and First Aid

• The facility is cleaned and sanitized daily

• We follow strict handwashing and hygiene routines

• Secure entry with sign-in/sign-out procedures

11. What happens if my child gets sick at daycare?

State law requires that, upon arrival, each child will receive a brief exam and will not be admitted if, in the opinion of the staff, the child is not well.

 A child exhibiting signs of illness during 24-hour period before the scheduled attendance at our day care should not attend The Nest Academy that day or the next day. 

Example: if a child leaves our daycare on Monday due to illness, he/she cannot come back until Wednesday (2 days) with a doctor’s note or when the child is fully clear from the symptoms of the illness at lease 25 hours prior to coming back to the daycare.

Parents must inform our Preschool within 24 hours or the next business day after the child or any member of the immediate household has developed any reportable communicable disease, as defined by the State Board of Health, except for life threatening diseases, which must be reported immediately.

The signs of illness include, but are not limited to: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a green discharge from eyes or nose, white plaques or blisters in mouth, unusual irritability or discomfort, lethargy, persistent cough and swollen lymph nodes. If we ask you to keep your child at home, it is to limit or prevent the spread of infection and to insure adequate care for your child and his/her peers.

Please understand that when we ask you to pick-up your child, we are not trying to inconvenience you, but to preserve your child’s best interest. 

Parents/Guardians will be notified as soon as possible if their child becomes ill.

While in our daycare, it is expected that immediate arrangement will be made to pick up the child. 

If the child has a communicable disease infection, chicken pox, pink eye or strep throat, we would like to be informed immediately so we may notify the other parents. Also, we hope it will be the policy of all parents to be concerned for the health of other children, parents and staff.

12. What are your Epidemy or seasonal illness policies?

We follow local health authority guidelines and update our families regularly. Enhanced cleaning, symptom checks, and adjusted group sizes are implemented when necessary.

ENROLLMENT & PAYMENTS

13. How do I enroll my child?

Enrollment is simple! Contact us to schedule a tour and complete our registration packet. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

14. Is there a waitlist?

Yes, if a class is full, we maintain a waitlist. You can add your child’s name with a fee that is non-refundable but credited towards your child's first month's tuition. You can add your child’s name with no fee. We notify families as spots become available.

15. What are your tuition rates?

Tuition varies based on your child’s age and schedule (full-time/part-time). Please contact us for a personalized rate sheet.

COMMUNICATION & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

17. How do you communicate with parents?

We communicate via phone, email, paper or digital reports with regular updates on your child’s day, upcoming events, and center news. We use Procare Connect software as one of our main tools of communication.

18. Do you offer parent-teacher meetings?

Yes! We schedule two conferences per year and are always happy to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress. We also welcome Parents/Staff conferences as needed at anytime. We must schedule an appointment for that to avoid disturbing the daily program of our kiddos.

19. Can I visit during the day or drop in to observe?

Yes, we have an open-door policy for enrolled families. For safety, all visits must be scheduled and follow check-in procedures. Respectfully, our office staff verify new families' members IDs until they get used to them.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS

20. Do you celebrate holidays or birthdays?

Yes! We celebrate cultural holidays, seasonal events, and birthdays in a fun, inclusive way. You’re welcome to bring nut-free treats to celebrate your child’s birthday. Must coordinate with our office staff. No candles are allowed to maintain safety.

21. Do you take field trips?

Occasionally, we organize field trips for preschoolers. Parents are notified in advance and may be asked to sign permission forms or volunteer as chaperones.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’d love to talk! Please feel free to call us at +1703-518-5150, or email us at admin@thenestacademy.com