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.

Creating Future Leaders Today

With Leadership Skills & Language Immersion for Toddlers

Toddlers | 16 Months - 2 Years | Serving McLean, VA, Tysons, VA, Arlington, VA, Falls Church VA, Vienna, VA

Awards & Accreditation!

Toddler Program Registration

2 Spots Available!

Our Programs Focus On Art & Language Immersion!

Your Toddler’s Holistic Curriculum Includes:

Language Explorers

Language Stars emphasizes the structure & sounds of world languages such as Spanish, French, & English.

Math Counts

Teaches the presence of math in everyday life as your student learns to identify numbers, patterns, & shapes & builds a strong foundation in math skills with an age-appropriate individualized plan.

Science & Environmental Studies

Science Adventure introduces your toddler to the foundation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) as they explore fun experiments emphasizing green living through fun facts & projects.

World Cultures

The SS TEA Steamship travels across the world to learn about different cultures & countries while promoting respect for diverse environments.

Onsite Enrichments

Enrichment classes uncover your child’s hidden talents & abilities while unleashing creativity & strengthening motor skills.

Reading Engagement

Builds a lifelong love of reading through different reading comprehension methods & 1-2-1 primary phonics with teachers.

Leadership Starts

Develops your little leader through confidence-building activities.

Writers Workshop

Promotes creativity & structure as your toddler learns early writing skills.

Music & Movement

Whether they’re an aspiring classical soloist or budding rock star, Rock City® is the go-to for real music education for your toddler.

Physical Fun

Promotes coordination & sportsmanship and challenges skills through yoga, dance, sports, & games.

Mindfulness

Helps your child discover more about themselves as they navigate various team and social settings.

Blooming Arts

Opens the door to the senses with creative art projects, instruments, songs, theater, & movement.

Sensory Play Encourages Whole-Child Development

Sensory play encourages your child to learn through curiosity, exploration, problem-solving, creativity, and discovery. Using a holistic approach to guide your toddler to think, solve, and reflect helps stimulate physical, social, emotional, and academic growth.

An award winning entrepreneurial curriculum Boosts Their Cognitive Growth

Your child’s in-house curriculum based on academic and cognitive learning domains includes engaging, guided activities, hands-on lessons, and workbooks that foster new skills and interests in reading, writing, math, science, environmental awareness, art, music, and world languages.

Regulating Emotions & Learning Self-Expression Happens Now

Your little angel has lots of big feelings to navigate. Using positive reinforcement from Conscious Discipline® and Love and Logic®, your toddler learns crucial social-emotional skills like empathy, understanding, and respect while learning how to self-advocate in a calm, healthy way.

Bilingual Exposure Boosts Your Child’s Attention Span

Did you know that children who engage in more than one language have better attention spans than those exposed to only one language? Your toddler regularly hears 4 languages—English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin, giving their early language development a huge boost!

Enrichment Classes Expand Skills & Boost Confidence

Specialized enrichment classes broaden your child’s physical skills while sharpening their social skills and confidence. Over 12 onsite programs like dance, Lego®, Art 3D, and Etiquette and manners class with High Tea are available for a small fee, while yoga, STEM, and mindfulness come at no extra cost.

Wow! Look At All Of These Fantastic Early Learning Enrichments!

Expert Teachers Build Strong Leadership Skills & Confidence

Expert teachers with over 40 hours of annual training—some even having Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees or PhDs—give your child the building blocks to become the leaders of tomorrow with healthy self-esteem, strong leadership skills, and total confidence.

Direct Messages & Daily Pics With Your Handy Parent App

Staying in touch with your toddler’s progress, milestones, and teachers is almost effortless with your handy Brightwheel™ parent app. Send direct messages, receive cute pictures and videos, get daily updates, progress reports, and more, all through the easy-to-use app.

Daily Outdoor Discovery Helps Build Motor Skills

Your toddler spends time outdoors every day to help clear their minds and strengthen those budding motor skills like agility, balance, and coordination. As they test their abilities in a safe, fenced-in environment, they challenge their skills and encourage new ones.

All-Inclusive Meals Fuel Their Ever-Growing Mind & Body

Skip packing food in the morning—your toddler enjoys a delicious and nutritious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack every day at no extra cost to you. Catered menus meet all childhood nutritional standards and consider any dietary allergies and sensitivities.

Trusted Security Measures Keep Your Little One Safe

Your toddler stays safe with trusted security measures that add an extra layer of protection to their day. Have peace of mind with security cameras, restricted access entrances, tall privacy fences, and CPR- and first-aid-trained teachers.

Nature based curriculum and Toddlers 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.

Teacher qualifications
	State	T.E.A. Center Staff
	12 hrs	40 +hrs
Lead education	CDA	PhD to CD’s
Lead Training hrs to start	0	100 hrs

15. How Long Have Your Teachers Been With You?

The average tenure of teachers is 2+ years

16. How Long Have Your Leadership Team Been With You?

The average tenure of our leadership is 5+ years. Rest assured of the consistency of care and administration of policies and procedures.

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