Merrifield Child Development Academy, Falls Church

-The Merrifield Child Development Academy has been operating since 1991. The Merrifield Child Development Academy is conveniently located in Falls Church near the Dunn Loring Metro stop. The Academy provides stimulating and rewarding learning experiences for a diverse group of children wo range from ages 16 months – 5 years old. -Our very affordable costs allow parents peace of mind by taking their children to a place that offers a quality education program without exception. We are an Approved Provider with Child Care Aware of America Military Fee Assistance, which allows us to receive payments for any military family eligible for our Operation Military Child Care program. Operation Military Child Care is a reduced fee assistance program for deployed Service Members that are unable to attain child care on a Military instillation. -Our philosophy is to develop a child’s social, emotional, and physical development. In addition, we focus on the intellectual growth, early literacy and language skills, and creativity by using a variety of hands-on strategies, resources and techniques, so that children become positive young thinkers. -Our mission is to provide a high quality preschool education program where children engage in meaningful learning and play. -Our Director, Sedinam Bruce, has been working in early childhood education for over eight years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and a Minor in Business Administration. She is also pursuing a degree in Education Management. Miss Sedi loves working with preschool children because it is very fulfilling and rewarding. Her bright smile will quickly put parents and children at ease. Toddler I Program ( 16-24 months) In the toddler program we begin to introduce more routine and structure to children’s activities and daily schedule. Your child will build vocabulary, learn functional numerical skills, and will be encouraged to use simple reasoning to explain everyday occurrences. Our daily activities continue to reinforce age-appropriate social development. Toddlers have many opportunities to physically explore their world inside the classroom and on the playground. They also begin more structured activities, such as learning centers and circle time. Your toddler will begin learning concepts of color and size, and will build their vocabulary. We have experience in helping them adjust to the give and take of the classroom environment. Toddler II Program (24 months - 3years) Your child will learn to recognize letters and some letter sounds add two groups of concrete objects by counting and begin to understand the concept of yesterday, today and tomorrow. This well-rounded program includes Physical Fitness program and a Christian Curriculum. Skills learned during this period include recognizing letter names, catching a bounced ball and beginning to understand the concept of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Preschool Program (3-5 years) This is an all-important developmental year for the emerging learner. In Pre-K, your child will gain the final skills to be prepared for kindergarten. Our Pre-K program includes foundational literacy and math skills derived from the Common Core State Standards. Some of the skills Pre-K children will learn include letter-sound relationships, how to sound out unfamiliar words, and how to read and recognize sight words. They will learn math concepts such as greater than, less than and equal to, and their number sense will grow. Extended Day Program (School Age) Merrifield Child Development Academy provides childcare services both before and after school services. Transportation is provided to and from selected local schools in the Falls Church area. On-site extended care is from 6:30 am - 8:30 am, and after school from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Typically, the students participate in the following schedule: AM: Quiet play activities, Team time, Breakfast and center-based play, group games PM: Snack and center based play, outdoor play, group games, homework and quiet play activities, center based play Extended Day Services is also open on FCPS school closure days, and winter and spring breaks, from 6:30 am-6:00 pm if space is available. Please contact the Director at [redacted] for information on registration and fees.