Northern Virginia Academy of Early Learning

So, upon moving here my family was looking for child care nearby that would fulfill our needs of proximity, price, cleanliness and staff. While in the initial scoping out of the facilities it was very near to where I live which was a bonus, the price was ok for the area but they did not take debit, credit or EFTs which necessitated us writing checks each week (who still uses checks?). We were very adamant about the struggles we had in potty training our child. We were upfront in that our kid was strong willed so a pushover teacher will have issues with behavior. We inquired about the potty training and security of the kids, the discipline program (or lack thereof). They were excited to get him started right away (read get paid by us right away). So in the conclusion of our meeting we had established, what I believe to be a good rapport with the admin staff and the teachers. Roll forward a couple of months and both the teachers quit suddenly and immediately. Devastating our kid, as he forms an emotional bond with his teachers. Roll forward from the beginning to 6 months, we are having never ending terrible reports of our child not napping and disrupting the other children (see lack of discipline model) and his potty training was going nowhere fast. Continual accidents and I could tell just by looking at my kid he was stressed out (he’s three!). So in an effort to coax my child into developing potty skills better it was decided to let him go to the next class and give him 4 weeks to adapt and hone the potty training. FOUR business days into this they point blank said if my 3 year old is not potty trained he is not welcome in there program to continue on. They gave up on a three year old child. To explain, I see my kid two hours a day before bedtime– also due to mine and my wife’s job. They spend 10 hours a day with him! So, after my wife basically lost her job because of this child care issue to stay at home, thereby causing my family a huge amount of financial strife. My wife had my kid potty trained (including #2) within FOUR weeks! Four weeks, what they could not do within 6 months. Needless to say I’m not happy with this turn of events and they financial position this place put mY family in. Had I known this would have played out this way I would have gone to another day care hands down, even if it meant driving across town.

After visiting several daycares in the area I finally found the one. I enrolled my child about three months ago and have had a wonderful experience. From communication with management to the teachers, it appears that they truly care about the children and their welfare. My child has had a very easy transition thanks to the dedicated people that work here. I highly recommend other working parents to come and check it out for themselves. My child is now coming home telling us all the new things being learned! Thanks for making me smile as I leave my most precious one under your care.

I enrolled my daughter in Northern Virginia Academy of Early Learning in September of 2012. I am a local teacher and a first time mom. It goes without saying that I wanted the perfect location for my daughter based on cleanliness, communication, proximity to work, safety, and ratings. Indifferent about whether in-​home, nanny shares, or daycare centers were the «right» option for us, I endlessly researched the various options in the area, booked appointments for viewing and was all but satisfied. When I felt like I had exhausted all options, I came across NVA online. That afternoon, I was touring the school. The price is comparable to others in the area, slightly lower than two others nearby if that is major factor in your search. I was, and still am, impressed by its cleanliness and the responsiveness of the staff. When I have questions or concerns, they don’t hesitate to provide an answer and give suggestions. They willingly comforted me through the first couple of weeks of MY crying and reassured me it was normal for first time moms.
The infant classrooms provide individual daily child charts that show what activities your child participated in, ate, and their diaper changes (which are signed off by who cared for your child during that change). On the day my daughter learned to walk, they caught it on video by coincidence and were more than happy to share it with me. The staff turnover rate was higher in the infant room when we first joined. Aside from losing Ms. Cheryl in the infant room (she was promoted and began traveling between the NOVA centers), we never lost the quality employees you’d hope would stay forever to care for your child!
My daughter is now in her second year at NVA and now in the toddler room. It features wonderful play equipment (an indoor slide, a wooden kitchen) and access to the outdoor play area that is fantastic! The ONLY thing I have noticed is that the communication in the toddler room is not as strong as in the infant program. They still have the communication charts, but I have found through leaving notes on my daughter’s chart for medication application directions, that the toddler staff do not read them closely– if at all. In addition, in the infant room I was provided monthly lessons and objectives. The toddler room does not do this. It is evident that she is learning because she surprises me daily with new word knowledge and application like «square», «yellow» and counting, but I would like to know what she is learning so that I can reinforce her learning at home. This is the ONLY reason I give them 4 stars instead of 5.
If you are considering NOVA of Lorton, take a tour, ask questions. You will undoubtably be impressed with their facility and what they have to offer your child. Mahruhk and Angie will gladly address any concerns that you have before or during your child’s enrollment.

My son attended this «school» for almost two years. While it is probably the best decorated preschool in Lorton, it is the least challenging academically. The teachers are just kids taking care of kids. There is no structure. The staff turn-​over rate is high.

Our child has attended this daycare for eleven months, since he was four months old.
Before the birth of our son we toured 8 area daycare centers and felt that this one had the best combination of atmosphere (facility is very clean, bright, and festive), friendliness of staff and teachers, proximity to home, and price (at the time it was the cheapest of those we were considering).
The staff are professional, accessible, knowledgable, and friendly. When I was enrolling my son I cried in front of Angie, one of the administrators, about having to be away from my child for so long each day; Angie comforted me and said she’d sit outside the classroom with me on the first day if I wanted. The administrators, Angie and Mahrukh, have been understanding when it’s taken me a long time to come pick up my child when he’s been sick (since I work an hour away from the daycare center) and staff have even run over to the grocery store (next door) to pick up baby food for my child when we forgot to bring it.
The teachers are warm and helpful. The teachers we’ve had offer tips to parents without being overbearing and are quick to provide a helping hand when parents are juggling kids/​coats/​keys/​etc. The teachers appear to be patient with children (for instance our child was slow to catch on to using a sippy cup). The teachers are loving towards my child, which makes me feel better about being away from my child for 10 hours a day.
We receive accurate and complete daily reports on feeding, diapering, temperament, activities, and any supplies (diapers, wipes) needed and we receive regular reports on teaching themes (books, songs, skills being taught).
The center has good security and yet it’s easy/​quick to drop off and pick up my child.
The center offers regular events (magic shows, musical performances) and holiday classroom parties to which parents are invited.
Our child loves coming here and we feel that the staff has always provided our child with the utmost care, affection, and instruction.
Read more about the center:

Top Notch School with a loving enviorment!
STAFF: The staff is outstanding. They go out of their way to ensure you are informed and feel comfortable. You can tell that they all enjoy what they do. Its very evident that they take much pleasure in ensuring the children are provided with a safe, healthy and happy enviorment!
GROUNDS: The school itself is just big enough to satisfy the needs of the children. Its very cozy. Well lit with vibrant paintings of classic fairy tale characters on the walls, the facility is appeals to the childrens imagination. The playgrounds have sound construction with age appropriate apparatuses.
PRICE: In my opinion no parent should put a price on their childs education however it is constant battle not to exceed the family’s budgetary limits. The facility is fairly priced for toddlers and older children.
The EXTRAS: Unlike other facilities I have visited, this school has a pleasant smell and is always in prestine condition. Although the lunch in not prepared on sight they do have the facilities to warm the lunches for the kids. The lunch menus are excellent and very kid friendly. They are a nut free establishment.
Great school. I would recommend any of my freinds to go there!