- 703.560.7676
- annandale@carouselchild.com
- Mon - Fri: 6:45am - 6:00pm
At Carousel Child Development Center, our Toddler Program is more than just daycare — it’s a dynamic, play‑based early learning experience designed specifically for little ones aged 18 months–3 years. Located in Annandale, VA, we proudly serve families throughout Fairfax County and Falls Church, combining trusted caregiving with a thoughtful curriculum to help your toddler grow, explore, and thrive.
The toddler years are some of the most important for a child’s growth — socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. At CarouselChild, we are deeply committed to nurturing the whole child.
Our program supports social-emotional skills (sharing, self-awareness), language development, early cognitive thinking, and physical coordination.
We offer a balance of child-directed play, guided activities, and routines to help toddlers feel secure and engaged.
All of our teachers are trained in early childhood education (ECE), certified in CPR/First Aid, and experienced with toddler-specific developmental needs.
With a licensed center in Annandale, we uphold high standards of safety, hygiene, and staffing ratios — so you can feel confident leaving your child in our care.
Our toddler program at Carousel Child Development Center is available for children aged 18 months–3 years, bridging the gap from infant care to preschool. We serve:
Annandale, VA — our central campus location
Fairfax County, VA — including all nearby neighborhoods
Falls Church, VA — offering accessible childcare for local families
We operate in full compliance with Virginia’s childcare licensing regulations, and our curriculum aligns with the state’s early learning guidelines — ensuring your child receives developmentally appropriate, high-quality care at Carousel Child Development Center.
Morning Welcome & Free Play: Children arrive and warm up with open play, socializing with peers.
Group Circle Time: We gather for songs, stories, and short discussion — encouraging language and group participation.
Learning Centers: Rotating stations for sensory play, art, building, and imaginative play.
Snack / Mealtime: Healthy snacks or meals served family-style to encourage social eating and self-help skills.
Outdoor / Gross Motor Play: Supervised outdoor play on toddler-appropriate equipment, promoting physical development.
Rest / Quiet Time: For toddlers who nap, we provide a safe, calm environment. For non-nappers, quiet activities like reading or soft music.
Afternoon Activity: Structured play, art, cognitive games, or music & movement.
Closing Routine: Songs, reflection, and goodbyes to close the day on a positive note.
Social-Emotional: Encouraging cooperation, empathy, self-regulation, turn-taking.
Language & Communication: Expanding vocabulary, fostering expressive speech, listening comprehension.
Cognitive: Problem-solving, memory, exploration, early science concepts (cause and effect).
Physical: Gross motor (running, climbing), fine motor (puzzles, drawing), self-help skills.
We maintain a low teacher-to-child ratio (e.g., 1:5 or 1:6 — adjust based on your center) to provide individualized care and supervision. All educators hold credentials or formal training in early childhood education, and each is certified in first aid and CPR.
Our facility in Annandale is thoughtfully designed for toddlers: low shelves, sensory-rich materials, cozy reading corners, and safe outdoor space — all curated to promote exploration and independence while keeping safety at the forefront.
Schedule a Tour: Visit our Annandale center and explore the toddler classrooms.
Submit Application: Complete our enrollment form and provide health/immunization records.
Orientation: Meet with your child’s teacher, spend a “getting to know you” session, and acclimate to routines.
Start Date & Schedule Setup: Confirm your child’s start date and review the available schedule options.
Due to strong demand in Fairfax and Falls Church, we may operate a waitlist. We encourage families to tour as early as possible to secure a spot.
From Our Infant Program: Gentle transition with familiar caregivers, gradual introduction into the toddler room, and buddy systems.
To Preschool: We prepare toddlers for more structured learning, social group interaction, and self-care responsibilities so they can transition smoothly into preschool programs (either here at CarouselChild or elsewhere).
We believe partnership with parents is key. Here’s how we keep you connected:
Daily Reports: We provide digital updates on your child’s day — including meals, naps, mood, and activities.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Regular meetings to discuss developmental milestones, progress, and goals.
Communication Tools: We use procare for real-time updates, photos, and messaging.
Family Events: Story nights, parent workshops, seasonal celebrations, and open houses.
Parent Resources: We offer handouts and workshops on toddler development, behavior strategies, and at-home learning activities.
Why This Program Matters for Your Child’s Future:
School Readiness: High-quality toddler care is linked to better kindergarten readiness, stronger social skills, and long-term academic resilience.
Social Competence: Children learn to navigate peer relationships, share, take turns, and express themselves — foundational skills for later success.
Self-Regulation: Through consistent routines and guided interactions, toddlers learn to identify emotions and begin to manage them.
Confidence & Independence: As they master self-help tasks, toddlers develop a sense of autonomy that builds self-esteem.
Being located in Annandale, VA, isn’t just about location — it’s about being part of a caring, local community. We’re proud to serve families from Fairfax County and Falls Church, and we work hard to reflect the values and needs of our neighborhood.
We participate in local early childhood networks and collaborate with community partners, including Fairfax County’s Early Childhood Programs & Services (ECPS), to ensure we’re aligned with top standards and resources. Our commitment extends beyond our walls — we host family events, attend community fairs, and stay deeply involved with local parenting groups.
We know how important trust is when choosing a childcare provider. Here’s how we ensure trust, transparency, and quality:
Licensed under Virginia childcare regulations, meeting all safety and staffing standards.
Educators trained in early childhood education, CPR, and First Aid.
Secure premises, strict drop-off / pick-up protocols, and vetted background checks.
Transparent policies, parent testimonials, and open-door communication.
Ongoing quality assurance: regular assessments, parent feedback, and continuous improvement.
We typically accept toddlers aged 18 months–3 years. Please contact us for specific availability, as it may vary.
Our facility has secure check-in/out procedures, background-checked staff, age-appropriate classroom design, and low teacher-to-child ratios.
We maintain a low ratio ( 1:5 or 1:6), ensuring personalized attention, safety, and strong relationships.
We provide nutritious snacks/meals appropriate for toddlers and are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies. Menus are shared in advance.
We use a digital communication tool for daily reports, photos, and messages. We also hold regular parent-teacher conferences and welcome family participation in events.
Yes — due to demand in Annandale, Fairfax, and Falls Church, we sometimes operate a waitlist. We encourage early application and scheduling a tour.
Yes. CarouselChild is fully licensed under Virginia’s childcare regulations and adheres to rigorous standards for safety, hygiene, staffing, and education.
All teachers are trained in Early Childhood Education, certified in CPR and First Aid, and have hands-on experience working with toddlers.
Carousel Child Development Center. Providing child development and care for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children