Early Childhood Education Fairfax

Q: What curriculum model do you use in your Annandale child development programs?

We are proud to utilize the High Reach curriculum, a proven model that ensures consistency and quality across all age levels. This framework allows our experienced teachers to tailor activities to individual children while meeting broad developmental milestones.

Q: Do you offer programs for children under two years old?

Yes. We offer specialized Foundational Skills Programs (for children typically 6 weeks to 2 years) that focus on a calm, nurturing environment, sensory play, and consistent routines to build security and initial physical development.

Q: Does your program prepare children for kindergarten in Fairfax County or Falls Church?

Absolutely. 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, focusing heavily on literacy, math, and social accountability.

Q: How do you address the needs of families commuting from Falls Church or Fairfax?

While our center is located conveniently in Annandale, VA, we serve families throughout the region. Our flexible operating hours and consistent communication ensure that parents working in or commuting through the Falls Church and Fairfax areas have a reliable, high-quality option for their child’s development.

Our Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

At Carousel Child Development Center, we deliver premier Early Childhood Education in Annandale designed to help children from 6 weeks old through Pre-K thrive. Families across Annandale, Falls Church, and Fairfax choose our center because our child development programs blend warmth, structure, and developmentally appropriate learning. Every classroom follows the renowned High Reach curriculum and Developmentally Appropriate Practices to ensure each child grows into a curious, confident learner at their own pace.

High Reach Curriculum: Our Philosophy for Hands-On Learning

Children learn best when they feel safe, encouraged, and engaged. Our Annandale preschool programs emphasize hands-on exploration, language development, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth. Every day is built around curiosity and connection.

build confidence
explore ideas
communicate clearly
develop healthy habits
solve little problems with big thinking

We believe in hands-on learning. Children touch, test, create, talk, try, and try again. Every day is a small adventure.

Phased Learning Programs for Every Early Learner

Infant Program

Your baby’s first learning environment must be one of trust and consistency. Our specialized Infant program provides a calm, safe, and nurturing foundation where exploration is encouraged. We focus on building a strong sense of security and fostering early development through responsive, individualized care. Our infant room offers:

A calm, nurturing environment
Sensory play to spark early curiosity
Language-rich moments through songs and reading
Tummy time and safe physical development
Consistent routines for trust and security

Toddler Program

As toddlers gain independence, our program focuses on channeling their energy and curiosity into productive learning. This stage emphasizes explosive language development, movement, and the beginning of social navigation, supporting families across Annandale and Falls Church.

Strong focus on early language
Gross motor activities: tunnels, soft blocks, dancing
Pretend play that builds early social skills
Hands-on art: painting, gluing, coloring
Cognitive milestones like identifying shapes, colors, and simple counting

Preschool Program

This is the pivotal stage where children transition from exploring the world to beginning to understand it. Our curriculum builds habits of focus and learning, preparing them for the academic demands ahead. This program is foundational for local families, including those in Fairfax County.

cognitive skills such as sequencing, comparing, and problem solving
Building independence in daily routines
Making friends and navigating social play
Early literacy: letter recognition, vocabulary, storytelling
Number sense: counting, early patterns, one-to-one correspondence
Physical coordination through movement games and outdoor play

Pre-Kindergarten Program

Our Pre-K program is the culmination of your child’s early education journey, strategically designed for success in kindergarten—whether they attend schools in Fairfax County, Falls Church, or private institutions. This is where learning objectives become focused on readiness.

early reading readiness: phonics, comprehension, writing strokes
math readiness: number recognition, simple addition, sorting, patterns
science exploration: magnets, plants, weather, sink-or-float
self confidence and decision-making
social responsibility: teamwork, kindness, turn-taking
language development through discussions and storytelling
physical development through structured outdoor play

Why Families Choose Carousel for Early Childhood Education in Annandale

Personalized attention in every classroom
Safe, clean, and warm learning spaces
Engaging curriculum from infancy to Pre-K
Experienced teachers who understand children deeply
A welcoming community for working families

Our goal is simple:
Help every child grow into a curious, confident learner.

Frequently Asked Questions about Our Programs

What is the core philosophy of your Early Childhood Education curriculum?

Our philosophy is rooted in Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP). We believe children learn best through hands-on exploration, play, and guided discovery. Our programs focus on whole-child growth, emphasizing social-emotional skills, language, and problem-solving.

What curriculum model do you use in your Annandale child development programs?

We are proud to utilize the High Reach curriculum, a proven model that ensures consistency and quality across all age levels. This framework allows our experienced teachers to tailor activities to individual children while meeting broad developmental milestones.

Do you offer programs for children under two years old?

Yes. We offer specialized Foundational Skills Programs (for children typically 6 weeks to 2 years) that focus on a calm, nurturing environment, sensory play, and consistent routines to build security and initial physical development.

Does your program prepare children for kindergarten in Fairfax County or Falls Church?

Absolutely. 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, focusing heavily on literacy, math, and social accountability.

How do you address the needs of families commuting from Falls Church or Fairfax?

While our center is located conveniently in Annandale, VA, we serve families throughout the region. Our flexible operating hours and consistent communication ensure that parents working in or commuting through the Falls Church and Fairfax areas have a reliable, high-quality option for their child’s development.

Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help!

We know choosing the right program for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for here, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We look forward to answering all of your questions about our Early Childhood Education in Annandale and welcoming your family into our community.

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Visit!

📍 Visit Us in Annandale, VA

Our center is located at:
3408 Woodburn Road, Annandale, VA 22003

Families from Annandale, Falls Church, and Fairfax choose our Annandale preschool for its strong curriculum, experienced staff, and nurturing environment. We invite you to schedule a visit and see how our programs support children at every stage.