- 703.560.7676
- annandale@carouselchild.com
- Mon - Fri: 6:45am - 6:00pm
When you envision your four-year-old walking confidently into their kindergarten classroom next year, what do you see? A child who can write their name, count to twenty, and raise their hand to ask questions? Absolutely. But what about a child who can navigate friendships, manage disappointment, solve problems creatively, and approach new challenges with enthusiasm?
At Carousel Child Development Center in Annandale, our Pre-K program prepares children for both the academic and emotional realities of kindergarten. For nearly four decades, families throughout Fairfax, Annandale, and Falls Church have trusted us to transform curious four-year-olds into confident, capable kindergarteners ready to thrive in elementary school.
The year before kindergarten represents one of the most critical windows in your child’s development. Research consistently shows that children who attend quality Pre-K programs demonstrate stronger academic performance, better social skills, and greater confidence throughout their elementary years. In Virginia, where kindergarten expectations continue to evolve, arriving prepared makes all the difference.
But here’s what many parents don’t realize: kindergarten readiness extends far beyond recognizing letters and numbers. Today’s kindergarten teachers expect children to arrive with self-regulation skills, the ability to work cooperatively, emotional resilience, and genuine curiosity about learning. These skills don’t develop overnight—they require intentional, consistent nurturing throughout the Pre-K year.
That’s exactly what we provide at Carousel. Our comprehensive Pre-K program balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, ensuring your child enters kindergarten not just ready to learn, but excited to learn.
Our teaching staff averages over 15 years of experience—not just in childcare, but specifically in early childhood education. This matters because understanding child development transforms how we teach. Our educators recognize that four-year-olds learn best through play, exploration, and hands-on discovery. They know when to gently challenge a child and when to provide support. They understand that a child struggling to share today is developing skills that will serve them throughout life.
When you tour our center, you’ll notice something different about our teachers. They’re patient, warm, and genuinely invested in each child’s success. Many of our families tell us their children talk about their teachers long after transitioning to kindergarten—a testament to the meaningful relationships we build.
We utilize both the High Reach and Pinnacle Curricula, proven educational frameworks specifically designed for preschool-aged children. These aren’t watered-down versions of kindergarten lessons—they’re developmentally appropriate programs that meet four-year-olds exactly where they are.
Our curriculum integrates the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) standards, ensuring alignment with what local elementary schools expect. This means when your child transitions to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools or Falls Church City Public Schools, they’ll be prepared for the specific skills and knowledge their teachers will assess.
Walk into our Pre-K classroom on any given day, and you might see children engaged in:
Literacy Development: Small group reading time where teachers help children decode words, understand stories, and develop phonemic awareness. Children practice writing their names, creating stories, and recognizing sight words through engaging activities that feel like play.
Mathematics Exploration: Hands-on activities that build number sense, pattern recognition, and basic addition concepts. Children sort objects, measure ingredients for cooking projects, and solve real-world problems that make math meaningful.
Science Discovery: Experiments that answer questions like “Why do leaves change colors?” or “How do magnets work?” Children develop observation skills, learn to make predictions, and practice the scientific method in age-appropriate ways.
Social Studies: Learning about communities, families, and the world around them. Children explore maps, discuss different cultures, and understand their role as community members.
Creative Arts: Music, movement, and visual arts that encourage self-expression and creativity. Children learn songs, create artwork, and engage in dramatic play that develops imagination.
Social-Emotional Learning: Perhaps most importantly, children practice friendship skills, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and independence. They learn to identify feelings, express needs appropriately, and develop empathy for others.
Parents often ask us, “What specific skills will my child have by the end of Pre-K?” Here’s what you can realistically expect:
We believe transparency helps parents feel confident in their choice, so here’s what a typical day looks like:
Morning Circle: We gather as a learning community to discuss the calendar, weather, and introduce the day’s theme. Children practice taking turns, listening skills, and participating in group discussions.
Literacy Centers: Small group instruction tailored to each child’s reading level. While one group works with a teacher on phonics, another might be exploring books in the reading corner, and another practicing writing.
Math & Science Exploration: Hands-on activities that make abstract concepts concrete. Children might measure ingredients for a recipe, sort objects by attributes, or conduct a simple experiment.
Outdoor Play: Active play on our large outdoor playgrounds. Physical activity isn’t just fun—it’s essential for brain development, self-regulation, and gross motor skills.
Lunch & Rest Time: Children practice independence by managing lunchtime routines. Younger Pre-K students rest while older children engage in quiet activities.
Creative Arts & Music: Children express themselves through art projects, music, and movement activities that develop creativity and fine motor skills.
Choice Time: Child-directed play in learning centers. This unstructured time is when children practice the social skills and executive functioning needed for kindergarten.
Afternoon Group & Dismissal: We review the day’s learning, share accomplishments, and prepare for pick-up.
Located at 3408 Woodburn Road in Annandale, we’re ideally positioned for families throughout Northern Virginia. Whether you’re commuting to Fairfax, Falls Church, Merrifield, the Mosaic District, Arlington, or Tysons, our location offers convenient drop-off and pick-up. Many families appreciate that they can access exceptional Pre-K education without long commutes or navigating traffic-heavy routes.
We understand the reality of working parent schedules. Our center operates Monday through Friday from 6:45 AM to 6:00 PM, providing flexibility for various work schedules. Whether you need early drop-off or later pick-up, we accommodate your family’s needs.
When you choose Carousel, you’re not just enrolling your child in a program—you’re joining a community. Many families have multiple children attend our center over the years, and our parent community is supportive, engaged, and welcoming. We host family events, maintain open communication, and partner with parents to ensure each child’s success.
One of parents’ biggest concerns is whether their child will be truly ready for kindergarten. We take this responsibility seriously, which is why our Pre-K program includes specific transition support:
Kindergarten Readiness Assessments: We regularly assess each child’s progress across all developmental domains, providing parents with clear understanding of their child’s growth and any areas needing additional support.
School Routines: Our structured schedule mirrors what children will experience in kindergarten—following directions, transitioning between activities, sitting for group instruction, and managing personal belongings.
Independence Building: From managing their lunch to organizing backpacks, children practice the self-help skills kindergarten teachers expect.
Parent Communication: We provide regular updates on your child’s progress and offer strategies you can use at home to reinforce learning. You’ll never wonder where your child stands or how you can support them.
We maintain ratios that exceed Virginia licensing requirements, ensuring each child receives individualized attention. Our small class sizes allow teachers to know each child’s learning style, strengths, and areas where they need support.
We operate on our own calendar but are mindful of FCPS schedules. We offer extended care on many days when county schools are closed, providing flexibility for working parents.
By Pre-K, we do expect children to be consistently potty trained. However, we understand that accidents happen and approach these situations with patience and sensitivity. If you have concerns about your child’s readiness, please discuss them with us during enrollment.
Children develop at different rates, and that’s completely normal. Our experienced teachers differentiate instruction, providing extension activities for children who are ready for more challenge and additional support for those who need it. Every child progresses at their own pace.
Absolutely! We encourage families to tour our center, meet our teachers, and observe our Pre-K program in action. There’s no better way to understand the Carousel difference than seeing it firsthand.
We provide daily updates about your child’s activities, accomplishments, and any concerns. We also schedule parent-teacher conferences, send weekly newsletters, and welcome communication whenever questions arise.
Three things: our experienced, stable teaching staff (15+ years average tenure); our comprehensive, research-based curriculum; and our genuine commitment to each child’s individual development. We’re not a franchise following a corporate script—we’re a locally-owned center that’s been part of this community since 1986.
Many of our Pre-K graduates transition to elementary schools throughout Fairfax and Falls Church, including schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools system and Falls Church City Public Schools. Teachers consistently provide positive feedback about our graduates, noting their strong academic skills, social-emotional readiness, and enthusiasm for learning.
We also offer summer programs and occasional “Daily Adds” for school-age children on days when schools are closed but families need care, allowing your relationship with Carousel to continue even after kindergarten.
Choosing where your child will spend their Pre-K year is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. This is the year that sets the foundation for their entire educational journey. We invite you to visit Carousel Child Development Center, meet our teachers, observe our Pre-K classroom, and see firsthand why families throughout Annandale, Fairfax, and Falls Church have trusted us with their children’s early education since 1986.
Phone: 703.560.7676
Email: annandale@carouselchild.com
Address: 3408 Woodburn Road, Annandale, VA 22003
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6:45 AM – 6:00 PM
Your child’s kindergarten readiness journey begins here. We can’t wait to meet your family and show you what makes Carousel truly special.
Carousel Child Development Center. Providing child development and care for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children