- 703.560.7676
- annandale@carouselchild.com
- Mon - Fri: 6:45am - 6:00pm
Choosing the right early learning environment for your child is one of the most significant decisions a parent makes. At Carousel Child Development Center, we understand that you’re looking for more than just childcare; you’re seeking a place where your child’s unique potential can blossom, safely and joyfully. We are a proud part of the Annandale community, and our commitment to excellence has made us the trusted choice for families looking for a comprehensive, nurturing, and academically enriching Annandale Preschool program.
Our philosophy is built on the belief that the preschool years (typically ages 3-5) are a crucial window for cognitive, social, and emotional growth. At Carousel Child Development Center, we seamlessly blend structured learning with child-led play, utilizing the High Reach curriculum and Developmentally Appropriate Practices. This approach ensures that every child leaves our care well-prepared for kindergarten and equipped with a lifelong love of learning.
The foundation built during the preschool years dictates much of a child’s future academic and social success. This is a time when the brain is rapidly developing, forming crucial neural pathways. A high-quality Annandale Preschool provides a stimulating environment that intentionally targets key areas of development that are often overlooked in less specialized settings.
Introducing pre-literacy, early math concepts, and problem-solving through hands-on activities.
Refining fine motor skills (essential for writing) and gross motor skills (essential for coordination and sports).
We specifically designed our program at Carousel Child Development Center to deliver these benefits, ensuring that every minute your child spends with us is productive, meaningful, and fun.
Our curriculum at Carousel Child Development Center is not a “one-size-fits-all” model. Instead, we draw upon proven educational research, specifically the High Reach Curriculum, to create an eclectic and effective model that emphasizes the whole child. While we are rooted in the Annandale area, our educational standards are world-class, giving our students an unparalleled advantage.
The High Reach curriculum is founded on the belief that children learn best through active, purposeful engagement and direct experience. It is a framework that allows our highly trained educators to tailor activities to individual learning styles while hitting all necessary developmental milestones for successful entry into the local school systems, including Fairfax County Public Schools.
Many parents question how much “serious” academics are included in a play-based curriculum. The truth is, for preschool-aged children, play is their work. It’s the most effective vehicle for learning complex ideas.
Example: When children collaboratively build a complex structure using blocks or LEGOs, they aren’t just playing; they are learning physics (stability, gravity), early geometry (shapes, spatial reasoning), negotiation skills (social-emotional), and communication.
Our dedicated educators at Carousel Child Development Center skillfully guide this play, introducing vocabulary, asking thought-provoking questions, and formalizing concepts learned through the activity. This structured play environment ensures that the transition to more formal schooling is smooth and stress-free.
Even at the preschool level, introducing STEAM concepts lays the groundwork for future critical thinking. Our program integrates these subjects daily through hands-on centers and explorations:
Exploring the natural world in our dedicated outdoor play spaces, observing changes in weather, and simple sensory experiments.
Our goal is simple: to send a confident, capable, and enthusiastic learner to kindergarten. The Annandale Preschool curriculum at Carousel Child Development Center is meticulously planned to cover all core developmental domains while maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio for personalized attention.
We understand the academic expectations in local districts like Fairfax County and even those serving Falls Church and Fairfax families who choose our center. Our Core Academic Readiness Program focuses on essential skills:
Literacy and Language Arts: We utilize a multi-sensory approach to pre-literacy, focusing on Phonological Awareness (rhyming, alliteration, recognizing sounds), which is a critical predictor of reading success. Daily storytelling and letter recognition activities build foundational reading skills.
Mathematics and Logic: Beyond rote counting, children learn conceptual math, including one-to-one correspondence (understanding that each object counted relates to one number), patterning, and sequencing.
Writing Readiness: We utilize various manipulatives and activities to strengthen the muscles needed for writing. We move from scribbling and drawing to forming letters and writing their names with confidence.
Academic intelligence must be paired with emotional intelligence. At Carousel Child Development Center, we place a strong emphasis on SEL:
Conflict Resolution: Teaching children to use their words to express frustration and negotiate during play, guided by our compassionate teachers.
Self-Regulation: Helping children identify their emotions and develop strategies (like deep breathing or taking a break) to manage them effectively.
Community and Belonging: Fostering a warm, inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued, preparing them to be positive contributors to their future classrooms.
As experienced early childhood educators, we know parents have a long list of essential questions when selecting a program. Our goal at Carousel Child Development Center is to be fully transparent and address these concerns directly, establishing the trust that is so vital in this relationship.
Safety is our absolute highest priority. Our facility is designed with security and health in mind, exceeding state standards for a trustworthy Annandale Preschool environment.
Secure Access: Controlled, single-entry point with strict sign-in/out procedures via our Tadpoles system, ensuring only authorized individuals have access.
Health and Hygiene: Rigorous sanitation schedules, age-appropriate handwashing training, and clear policies for handling illnesses, all managed through transparent communication.
Staff Training: All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR, and receive ongoing professional development in child development and classroom management.
Our Core Academic Readiness program is specifically designed to align with the skills and standards needed for a successful transition to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools and surrounding private institutions. We focus heavily on literacy, math, and social accountability, giving our students the confidence to excel in their next chapter.
For decades, families in Annandale, Falls Church, and Fairfax have trusted us with their children’s earliest education. We believe in providing a truly exceptional early childhood experience—one that celebrates every milestone, encourages individual curiosity, and instills a deep sense of community. Our Annandale Preschool is more than a school; it’s a second home where children are loved, challenged, and inspired every day.
We invite you to join the many families who have seen their children thrive at Carousel Child Development Center. We are confident that our expert-led, High Reach curriculum-based program is the best foundation your child can receive.
Carousel Child Development Center. Providing child development and care for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children