- 703.560.7676
- annandale@carouselchild.com
- Mon - Fri: 6:45am - 6:00pm
At Carousel Child Development Center, our Toddler Program is built for children aged 16 to 29 months — the stage when curiosity explodes, language takes off, and every day brings a new first. Located in Annandale, VA and serving families across Fairfax County and Falls Church, we combine a structured play-based curriculum, a 1:4 teacher ratio, and all-inclusive meals to give your toddler the best possible start.
Every four toddlers have one dedicated educator — exceeding Virginia’s minimum requirements. Your 16–29 month old gets the individual attention, consistency, and security they need to thrive.
Fully licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Secure check-in/out, background-checked educators, CPR-certified staff, and a toddler-proofed environment from floor to ceiling.
Our toddler daycare at Annandale VA accepts children from 16 months through 29 months. At 30 months, children transition seamlessly into our Preschool Program — bridging the journey from our Infant Care Program all the way to Pre-K under one roof.
We serve families from:
We operate in full compliance with Virginia’s childcare licensing regulations, and our curriculum aligns with Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards (VELDS) to ensure your child receives developmentally appropriate, high-quality care.
We use a comprehensive, theme-based toddler curriculum designed specifically for children ages 16–29 months — one that weaves together language, math, sensory exploration, movement, and creative expression into every single day. Each week follows a learning theme, and every activity is purposeful: building the skills your toddler needs right now, in ways that feel like play.
Everything we do in the toddler room is intentional. Our educators are trained to support four key developmental domains critical during this stage.
Vocabulary typically doubles between 16 and 24 months. Through narrated play, read-alouds, songs, and responsive conversation, we strengthen expressive and receptive language every day.
Children learn to share, take turns, recognize emotions, and begin self-regulation. Parallel play evolves into cooperative play in a safe, guided environment.
Gross and fine motor skills are developed through movement, art, and hands-on activities, supported by dedicated curriculum time each day.
Early math, problem-solving, memory, and cause-and-effect learning are built through sensory play, learning centers, and themed curriculum.
Potty training is one of the most asked-about milestones for families with toddlers in the 16–29 month range, and it’s something we take seriously and handle with care.
At Carousel Child, we begin supporting the potty training process at 30 months — the point when most toddlers have the physical readiness and cognitive awareness to start. Here’s exactly how we approach it:
Our toddler room maintains a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio — one educator for every four toddlers. This exceeds Virginia's minimum licensing standards and is intentional: toddlers at 16–29 months need consistent, responsive caregiving that simply isn't possible in overcrowded rooms.
All educators hold credentials or formal training in Early Childhood Education (ECE), are certified in CPR and First Aid, and are background-checked before their first day. Our lead toddler teachers have hands-on experience specifically with children in the 16–29 month developmental window.
Our center at 3408 Woodburn Road is purpose-designed for early childhood. The toddler room features low open shelving, sensory-rich learning stations, a cozy book corner, and direct access to our outdoor play area — all curated to support safe exploration and independence.
How to Enroll
Visit our Annandale center, meet the toddler room teachers, and see the space firsthand. Tours are free and no-commitment.
Schedule yours here →Complete our enrollment form and provide your child's health and immunization records. We'll walk you through every step.
Before the official start date, your child visits the toddler room for a short "getting to know you" session — meeting teachers and classmates in a low-pressure setting.
We'll finalize your child's start date and confirm full-time or part-time schedule options.
Due to our small 1:4 ratio, our toddler room has limited capacity. We operate a waitlist during high-demand periods — particularly for fall enrollment.
We encourage families to schedule a tour as early as possible, even if your child is not yet 16 months.
When your child turns 30 months, they'll move into our Preschool Program — where the skills, routines, and relationships built in the toddler room give them a confident head start.
We believe the partnership between family and teachers is as important as the curriculum itself. Here's how we keep you in the loop:
Via the Procare app — meals, naps, mood, activities, and photos sent to your phone in real time.
Scheduled check-ins to review your toddler's developmental progress and set goals together.
Questions, concerns, and feedback are always welcome. Our director and lead teachers are accessible.
Story nights, seasonal celebrations, parent workshops on toddler development, and open houses.
Handouts on toddler milestones, behavior strategies, and activities to extend learning at home.
For over five years, Carousel Child has been more than a daycare — we're a trusted part of the Annandale and Fairfax County community. Families drive to us from Falls Church, Merrifield, Baileys Crossroads, Seven Corners, and throughout Northern Virginia because they know their toddler will be safe, stimulated, and loved here.
We collaborate with Fairfax County's Early Childhood Programs & Services (ECPS) and stay current with Virginia's early learning standards to ensure our program always reflects best practices. We participate in community events, support local parenting networks, and keep our doors open to the families who make this neighborhood home.
