FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you currently have openings?
We often have availability in many of our programs due to our intentionally small classroom sizes. However, enrollment availability changes throughout the year.
For the most up-to-date information regarding openings in each classroom, please contact our office at (703) 520-9966. Our Center Director, Ms. Annalisa Cook, will be happy to discuss current availability, answer your questions, and assist you throughout the enrollment process.
What are your hours of operation?
Great Beginnings Early Learning Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We are open year-round, with the exception of scheduled holidays, staff development days, and emergency closures or inclement weather closings.
Do you operate on a traditional school-year calendar?
Although our enrollment contracts follow an academic year (September through August), Great Beginnings Early Learning Center is open year-round.
We observe designated holidays throughout the year and follow Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) for inclement weather closings and delays.
What are your classroom sizes?
Our classroom sizes are intentionally kept small to provide each child with individualized attention and meaningful interactions with their teachers. Typical enrollment ranges are:
- Doves (Young Infants): Up to 8 children
- Lambs (Older Infants): 10–12 children
- Ducks (Toddlers): 5–10 children
- Penguins (Twos): 8–12 children
- Cubs & Giraffes (Preschool): 8–12 children
Class sizes may vary depending on enrollment and staffing while always remaining within Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements.
Do you offer part-time enrollment?
Yes. We offer 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day enrollment options to accommodate the varying needs of today’s families.
Do you offer virtual tours?
We encourage in-person tours whenever possible so families can experience our classrooms, meet our teachers, and get a true feel for our learning environment.
However, we also offer virtual tours for families relocating to the area or who are otherwise unable to visit in person.
Do you provide meals?
Yes. Nutritious meals are included with tuition at no additional cost and are prepared by our licensed catering service.
As a participant in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), we provide:
- Iron-fortified infant formula and age-appropriate pureed foods for enrolled infants
- Breakfast
- Hot lunch
- Afternoon snack
All meals follow USDA nutritional guidelines and are planned to provide healthy, balanced nutrition throughout the day.
Can you accommodate food allergies or special dietary needs?
Yes. Our licensed caterer makes every effort to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions whenever possible.
If an appropriate substitute cannot be provided, families are welcome to send an approved substitute meal or snack from home. Because Great Beginnings is a nut-free facility, all food brought from home must comply with our allergy policy.
Do you accept childcare subsidies?
Yes. Great Beginnings proudly accepts several childcare assistance programs, including:
- Virginia state childcare subsidy programs
- Local government childcare assistance programs
- Military childcare fee assistance through Child Care Aware® of America
- Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)
If you currently receive childcare assistance or would like more information about using your benefits at Great Beginnings, our admissions team will be happy to assist you.
What curriculum do you use?
Great Beginnings provides a developmentally appropriate, faith-based educational experience using the A Beka Book® curriculum, supplemented with hands-on learning experiences designed to encourage exploration and discovery.
Each classroom’s daily schedule is thoughtfully planned around the developmental needs of the children and includes a balance of:
- Prayer and children’s devotional
- Circle time
- Language and literacy
- Early math concepts
- Science and discovery
- Art and creative expression
- Music and movement
- Outdoor play
- Sensory exploration
- Social-emotional development
- Rest and meal times
As children progress through our program, classroom activities become increasingly focused on kindergarten readiness through phonics, early reading, handwriting, mathematics, science, Bible lessons, and character development.
What does the annual materials fee cover?
The annual materials fee helps provide the educational resources and classroom supplies used throughout the school year, including:
- Classroom supplies
- Curriculum materials and workbooks
- Art supplies
- Learning manipulatives
- Educational resources
- Seasonal projects and classroom activities
- Other materials used in your child’s daily learning experience
What is your withdrawal policy?
Families wishing to withdraw from the program must provide at least 30 days’ written notice (email is acceptable).
Tuition remains due during the required notice period. When proper notice is provided, the family’s security deposit may be applied toward the final month’s prorated tuition balance.
Do you accept cloth diapers?
No. For health, sanitation, and licensing reasons, Great Beginnings accepts disposable diapers only.
Is Great Beginnings a faith-based program?
Yes. Great Beginnings Early Learning Center is a Christian preschool committed to nurturing the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Our daily routine includes age-appropriate prayer, Bible devotionals, Christian character development, and Biblical principles integrated throughout our curriculum while providing a welcoming environment for families from all backgrounds.
Why do families choose Great Beginnings?
For more than 17 years, Great Beginnings has partnered with families throughout Alexandria and the surrounding communities to provide exceptional early childhood education in a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered environment.
Families choose Great Beginnings because we offer:
- Small classroom sizes that promote individualized attention
- Experienced, caring, and dedicated teachers
- A faith-based learning environment grounded in Christian values
- The trusted A Beka Book® curriculum
- Year-round care and preschool programs
- Healthy meals and snacks included with tuition
- A secure, welcoming facility
- Acceptance of state, local, and military childcare assistance programs
- A strong commitment to preparing children socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually for kindergarten and beyond
Our goal is to provide every child with a strong foundation for lifelong learning while partnering with parents every step of the way.
How do I schedule a tour or enroll my child?
We’d love to meet your family!
Scheduling a tour is easy. Simply click the “Schedule a Tour” button on our website to choose a date and time that works best for your family’s schedule.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to tour our classrooms, meet our staff, learn more about our programs and curriculum, and have your questions answered. We look forward to welcoming you to Great Beginnings Early Learning Center!
