Centreville 2025 Parent Orientation Guide First Day

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Welcome

Welcome to Kiddie Academy of Centreville.

We are delighted to welcome you and your family into our community. Whether this is your first experience with child care or you ' re already a seasoned pro, starting something new can come with a mix of excitement and nervousness for both children and parents. Please know that our compassionate and experienced team is committed to creating a warm, nurturing environment where your child can truly thrive. Thank you again for choosing Kiddie Academy. We feel so lucky to be a part of your child’s world and can’t wait for the wonderful adventures ahead.

Warmly,

About Kiddie Academy of Centreville

14275 Braddock Road

Centreville, VA 20120

703-349-3419

centreville@kiddieacademy.net

kiddieacademy.com/centreville

Our Hours

Mon 6:30am - 6:30pm

Tue 6:30am - 6:30pm

Wed 6:30am - 6:30pm

Thu 6:30am - 6:30pm

Fri 6:30am - 6:30pm

We are closed: New Years, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Three Days around Christmas

Contact Us

Bela Desai (Owner)

Daniel Boruchowitz (Director)

Olivia Westbrook (Assistant Director)

Preparing for the First Day

It’s normal for children (and their parents) to feel nervous about a new setting, but there are simple ways to ease the transition. Here are a few tips to help your child (and yourself) adjust smoothly.

Talk to your child about what will be happening

Discuss the day ahead, emphasizing the fun activities, new friends, and that you’ll reunite at the end to talk about it all.

Share a positive attitude about child care

Children often reflect your emotions, so staying positive and excited about child care can help them feel the same. Highlight the fun aspects like playtime, learning, and new experiences.

Communicate

Every child is different, and your input helps us meet their unique needs. Share routines, preferences, and anything else that will help us support your child’s adjustment.

Tips on Easing Your Child into Child Care

Spend some time in the classroom on the first day to help your child feel more comfortable.

Let your child set their own pace for interacting pushing can backfire, especially for shy children.

Always say goodbye and reassure your child you’ll return— avoid sneaking out, even if there are tears.

Keep drop-off and pick-up times consistent; routines help build trust and ease separation.

A comforting item from home, like a toy or photo, can help check with the director for what’s appropriate.

Every child adjusts differently—some quickly, some with setbacks. We’re here to support you and your child throughout the process.

What To Bring:

Infants & Toddlers

Diaper wipes, powders, ointment, sunscreen, etc * (labeled with child’s first and last name)

Formula, bottles, food (labeled with child’s first and last name and date)

Diapers (labeled with child’s first and last name)

Change of clothes, including socks and underwear, if applicable (labeled with child’s first and last name)

Family Photo

Required forms

*requires a completed form with parent/guardian signature

What To Bring: Preschoolers

Rest time items, like a blanket and small stuffed animal (labeled with child’s first and last name)

Diapers, if applicable (labeled with child’s first and last name)

Sunscreen* (labeled with child’s first and last name)

Plastic or metal water bottle – no glass, please (labeled with child’s first and last name)

Change of clothes, including socks and underwear

Family Photo

Required forms

*requires a completed form with parent/guardian signature

Good to Know

Dress Code

Children at Kiddie Academy enjoy active indoor and outdoor play, so please dress them in practical, comfortable clothing and secure, closed-toed shoes like socks and tennis shoes— sandals, flip-flops, and jellies are not allowed Avoid expensive outfits or fragile items, as we are not responsible for damage during play

Personal Belongings

Personal toys and games should stay at home, except for labeled items brought for “Show and Share,” rest-time comfort, or circle-time book sharing—we are not responsible for lost or damaged items

Day-to-Day Routine

Each classroom’s Family Information Board displays daily schedules, menus,

lesson plans, and more check it regularly to stay informed and engage your child in conversations about their day.

Meals

You do not need to pack any meals or snacks for your child We have a fully equipped kitchen and a trained food service manager on staff, so that we can serve a nutritious and wellbalanced lunch as well as a morning and afternoon snack.

Rest Time

Children have daily quiet rest time with their own blanket and a small stuffed animal if desired; items are sent home weekly for washing, and rest periods vary by age group While sleep isn’t required, we encourage a calm environment out of respect for those who are resting.

Where to Park

Key parking reminders:

Please go to the left and around the island to park

Don’t leave your car running when you go inside the Academy. Always lock your car

Be extra careful when backing up and driving in our parking lot.

Our parking lot gets busy during peak drop off and pick up times. Please be patient and mindful of other families in the parking lot.

Building Entry

Our building is locked 24/7 for safety and security. You will be able to gain entrance with a fingerprint.

Upon drop-off, you must escort your child to his or her classroom. Make sure an educator acknowledges that they see your child before you leave. If your child’s class is not in their regular classroom, you can ask a staff member in the lobby where the class is.

Alternate Pick-up Guidelines

A parent/guardian should send an email to the Academy to document an alternate pickup person ’ s name on a given day.

Please tell your alternate pickup person that they need to bring their ID to pickup. We will not release children to an alternate pickup person without seeing their government-issued ID.

For additional information about alternate pick-up guidelines and safety protocols, please reference the Parent Essentials handbook.

Classroom Expectations

Your child will be assigned their own cubby in their classroom. This is where you can store their personal clothing items and bedding, etc Your child’s teacher will also put projects to be taken home as well as soiled clothes (in a plastic bag) to be taken home and laundered. Be sure to check your child’s cubby each day at pick-up.

We ask that parents take home rest time bedding on Friday afternoons to wash over the weekend and bring back clean on Monday mornings.

Check Tadpoles Daily Reports for teacher notes. They may request more supplies, like diapers or wipes, or share other important classroom updates.

If you forget something that your child needs (like an extra pair of clothes or a blanket for rest time), we do our best to have emergency supplies on hand.

This is a peanut-free school. Please do not bring in any food items without prior approval of Academy administration.

Sometimes when you pick up, your child’s class will not be in their regular classroom. They could be outside on the playground or in another classroom. If you are unsure, you can ask a staff member in the lobby where the class is.

Community Begins Here®

We understand that it can take time for children to settle in, so don’t worry if your child is still a little clingy at drop-off after a week or two, or hasn’t made a close friend right away this is totally normal. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out; we ’ re here to support you and your child every step of the way, and we truly believe you ’ ve made a great choice in joining our community.

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