What age groups does The T.E.A. Center preschool accept?

The T.E.A. Center offers preschool and childcare programs for children from 16 months to 5 years old in a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.

What teaching philosophy does The T.E.A. Center use?

The T.E.A. Center combines Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired learning approaches focused on creativity, leadership, independence, and social-emotional development.

Does The T.E.A. Center offer full-time childcare?

Yes, The T.E.A. Center offers full-time childcare and preschool programs designed to support early childhood learning and development.

Where is The T.E.A. Center located?

The T.E.A. Center is located in McLean, Virginia, serving families in McLean and surrounding communities.

How can I schedule a preschool tour?

Parents can schedule a tour online by visiting https://theteacenter.org/book-a-tour/.

What is included in the before and after school care program?

The program includes supervised care, homework support, enrichment activities, social interaction, and a safe environment for school-age children.

Which schools does The T.E.A. Center serve?

The T.E.A. Center provides before and after school care programs for select elementary schools including Chesterbrook, Churchill Road, Franklin Sherman, Kent Gardens, Westgate, Westbriar, Haycock, Spring Hill, Lemon Road and Temple Rodeff Shalom Elementary.

What ages qualify for before and after care?

Programs are designed for children ages 5 to 12 years old.

Does The T.E.A. Center provide homework assistance?

Yes, supervised homework support is included as part of the after school care program.

How do I enroll my child in before or after school care?

Parents can contact The T.E.A. Center directly or visit the website to learn more about enrollment options and availability.

What types of camps does The T.E.A. Center offer?

The T.E.A. Center offers summer camps, winter camps, spring camps, and teacher work day programs for children.

What activities are included in camp programs?

Camp activities may include STEM projects, arts and crafts, outdoor play, games, social activities, and creative learning experiences.

What ages are eligible for camp programs?

Camp programs are generally available for children ages 3 to 12 years old.

Are camps educational or recreational?

The T.E.A. Center camps combine educational enrichment with fun recreational activities to encourage learning and social development.

How can parents register for camp programs?

Parents can visit https://theteacenter.org/ to learn more about upcoming camps and registration details.

Before & After-School Care For 5 - 12-Year-Olds

Nurturing Teachers Build Strong, Happy Leaders

Before & After School Extended Care Serving Falls Church, VA, Vienna, VA, & McLean, VA | 5 - 12 Years.

Awards & Accreditation!

Before & After-School Care Registration

3 Spots Available!

All registered students in Before and After care program:
Free teacher workdays
Free Early dismissals
Free gourmet breakfast
Free Afternoon Tea Time
Free PM snacks
Discounted summer, winter and spring camps

Before and /or Afterschool Registration

Four week deposit is required to confirm spot. Tuition is paid weekly once registered.

Early Dismissal Pickups and Care

FCPS students are often released over 4 hours early on designated early dismissal days. Please refer to the FCPS calendar for the most up-to-date schedule.

Registered T.E.A. Center students are automatically covered for early dismissals at no additional cost.

Need care for an early dismissal day? Non-enrolled families may register for available spots. Payment is only required once a space has been confirmed.

Full Teacher work days and holidays

The T.E.A. Center will provide full day care between 7 am – 6:30 pm

Open From 7:00 am to 6:30 pm For Your Convenience

Expert Homework Help Frees Up Time At Home

Your child gets their homework done every day before or after school, so you have more free time together at home. Expert teachers are always available to answer questions, offer support, and guide them through challenging assignments. We proudly offer the best tutoring program in Falls Church, VA and the surrounding area!

Small Class Sizes Allow Extra Time For Your Child

With a low teacher-to-child ratio of 1:10, leaders have more time to focus on your little learner’s unique needs, personality, and skill level. All teachers are thoroughly trained in early childhood development and are CPR- and first-aid-trained for care.

Yes! We Provide Transportation To & From The Following Elementary Schools:

Social-Emotional Learning Fosters Lifelong Success

Your little one learns crucial social-emotional skills like recognizing and managing emotions, understanding, respect, empathy, manners, sharing, and being comfortable with public speaking to foster lifelong success in classrooms, careers, and relationships. Watch them become strong, self-advocating future leaders.

Fun Weekly Themes Stimulate Your Child’s Mind & Self-Worth

Engaging weekly themes and creative projects stimulate your child’s mind to develop their self-worth, independence, and confidence. Daily reading, mindfulness, yoga, and world culture awareness enhance focus, concentration, and overall academic performance to help them become strong, empathetic little leaders.

Breakfast, An Afternoon Tea Time and PM snack included in tution

Your child enjoys a healthy breakfast or afternoon snack (or both if they attend the before and after-school program) at no extra cost to you. Our Gourmet Chet makes meals from scratch for high nutritional value and standards and adhere to any food allergies and sensitivities. Its a nuts free facility meet all childhood nutritional standards and adhere to any food allergies and sensitivities.

Experience The Best After-School Program In Falls Church, VA! Full-Day Programs Are Available On In-Service Days & Holidays!

Dedicated Outdoor Play Gets The Wiggles Out

After a long day of learning, your child spends time outdoors every day to get the wiggles out and give their minds, muscles, and motor skills a boost. Connecting with nature improves their mood and physical health and helps them sleep better!

Spend Time With Friends Making Lasting Memories

Your little leader looks forward to spending time with peers who attend different schools. Using their ever-growing social-emotional skills, they engage in healthy conflict resolution, find their social voice, and create lasting friendships and memories.

Nature based curriculum and program to blossom the young mindful leader

Nature education is vital for fostering happy children and, subsequently, content adults. The World Happiness Report underscores the role of regular nature connection in personal well-being. Even in an Unburn neighborhood, the T.E.A. Center offers a nature-based holistic curriculum, aiming to instill environmental leadership in children. This equips them to be effective advocates and conservation leaders in their communities, contributing to a happier and sustainable future.

FAQs

1. What are your cleaning protocols?

Staff works diligently to keep spaces and surfaces clean and sanitized during the day, and a professional cleaning crew does a deep clean every evening. Air purifiers remove harmful dust, germs, allergens, and irritants to keep everyone healthy and happy.

2. I'm a parent, and I'm not bilingual - will immersion be an issue?

NOT AT ALL! Most of our parents aren’t bilingual – but many pick up many words and phrases from their children! So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Spanish, French, or Mandarin, you get a little fringe benefit of having your child attend the T.E.A. Center!

3. If my child goes to an English school later, will they be behind?

Actually, it’s the opposite – studies show that learning additional languages at a young age creates new neural pathways in the brain, which has all sorts of benefits, including a greater ability to focus and task switching – both critical life skills that are a huge advantage in school and future work!

4. Should I start with my baby or wait until they are a toddler or preschooler?

The younger you start with a second (or third!) language, the easier it will be for your child, and the greater the benefits. We begin our immersion program here in the Toddler program with 2 hours of instruction in each language per week.

5. Is there a nap time for preschool and Prek? What if my child does not nap?

Yes, there is 1-2 hrs per day. If your child does not nap we have quiet time activities.

6. Can I start with a three quarter day program and switch to full day program-switch programs?

Yes-pending space and availability.

7. What meals are included

Breakfast, Lunch and PM snack are all included.

8. What is the student teacher ratio?

Follows state licensing standards for each age group. 1 teacher for 10 students in preschool and Prek, however at the TE.A. Center – its 1 teacher for 7 students.

9. There is mention of language immersion... how many hours a week in normal Pre-K program is that?

World Language begins at 2 years – toddler program
Spanish – 2 hours per week
Mandarin – 2 hours per week
French- 2 hours per week

10. Is this school year round or Sept - June?

No – regular school year – August 1 to June 30 of next year.

Summer camp – register by the week for the months of July and August (optional) and families can start later pending availability and the tuition is prorate by the later start date.

11. What days are you open/closed during regular school year?

The center is closed on- labor day, Thanksgiving, Winter break (between Christmas and Jan. 1), Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, and Memorial day – for details Contact Us.

12. Can you sign up for enrichment classes or parents night out if you are not a student at the T.E.A Center?

We open a limited number of spots – depending availability -Availability- Contact Us.

13. What are your fees?

Please Contact Us to updated fee information.

14. What Degrees Do Your Teachers Have?

Our lead teachers hold PhD’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s degrees, Associate’s degrees in early childhood education or a minimum CDA.

Assistant Teachers- Holds Bachelor’s degrees, Associate’s degrees, or working towards a CDA. All Teachers and staff are certified in CPR and First Aid, and have Continuing Education and some have Food Handler certificates. All leads teachers have 100+ hrs of T.E.A. Center Standards and Curriculum training with continuing education of 40+ hrs annually.