Preschool in Alexandria, VA 22301
Abracadabra Child Care and Development Center (serving children ages 2-5) is a non-profit, non-sectarian preschool housed in a facility owned and operated by Commonwealth Baptist Church. The Center admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities; it is also accessible and welcomes children with disabilities.
Abracadabra was established in 1983 to provide children in the community with an environment that combines child care with creative approaches to early childhood education. Teachers are educated, experienced and continually trained in order to remain up to date on the newest research in early childhood education. Additionally, the staff is carefully selected based on teachers ability to respond to childrens needs in compassionate and developmentally appropriate ways. A copy of the licensing standards, which contains the minimum requirements, is located in the Directors office and is available for any parent wishing to review them.
Abracadabra is located on a residential street in a charming three story house that has been converted to a child care center. The Center has 3 classes: the Munchkins (age 2-3), the Wizards (age 3 -4) and the Genies (age 4-5). The building contains six rooms for class activities, a bathroom on each floor and a kitchen. Outside and adjacent to the center is a 6,500 square foot playground/outdoor classroom that is uniquely designed to promote active play, adventure play, quiet play and nature activities. Most activities that take place indoors, can also take place outdoors on this playground. There are 2 raised beds for gardening activities as well as a rubber track for riding toys.
The Center is licensed for 38 children for ages 2 5. Abracadabra has also been named a High/Scope demonstration site the only full day program so designated in Northern Virginia for its excellence in the implementation of the High/Scope Educational Approach in preschool education.
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We believe in the uniqueness of every child. All children develop at a different pace. We feel the differences which exist among children and within their family experiences should be recognized and built upon so all might grow in the capacity to relate and develop as human beings. Our center is staffed by responsible, caring and well trained teachers who provide a loving and comfortable environment for the children.
Our goal for all children is the development of a positive self concept. When children find success and approval in preschool, their confidence grows. They begin to build the kind of self-image that will allow them to reach out freely to others and want others to reach out to them.
We have created an environment which offers variety in the fullest sense: in people, experiences and materials. We recognize play as the natural mode of learning for the young child. Within the context of play, our curriculum emphasizes sensory awareness, independent thinking and decision making.
We believe that education is more effective when parents and teachers work together. Through classroom participation and family education programs, parents and professionals can learn from each other. Their partnership promotes and enriches the learning environment for children at home and at school.