Our Classrooms

We believe children thrive in environments where they feel seen, heard, and understood. Unlike larger, busier childcare settings that

may combine groups of children for portions of the day, we prioritize smaller classroom groups and consistent care. Each classroom has

one dedicated teacher who can focus on the individual children in their group, build meaningful relationships, and become familiar with

each child’s unique personality, interests, strengths, and needs.

By keeping groups smaller, we create a calmer environment with less over-stimulation and more opportunities for children to express

themselves, participate in activities, and receive individualized attention. We want every child to feel that their voice matters and that

they are an important part of their classroom community. This approach supports stronger relationships, more purposeful learning

experiences, and a greater sense of security and belonging throughout the day.

Our Teacups classrooms support infants and young toddlers through responsive care, consistent routines, and age-appropriate

exploration. Activities include books, music, sensory experiences, outdoor time, and toys such as puzzles, blocks, dolls, and cars. Infants

benefit from supervised tummy time before crawling, while older toddlers explore through active play, early art, and hands-on activities.

Our smaller groups allow teachers to respond to each child’s cues, support emerging skills, and provide the comfort and attention that

are especially important during the first two years of life.

Travelers focus on language, motor skills, independence, early academics, and positive peer relationships.

Children learn through blocks, imaginative play, art, water play, puzzles, books, and other hands-on activities. Teachers encourage

sharing, kindness, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.

Children also practice everyday self-help skills, including toilet training, hand-washing, putting on shoes, and cleaning up. Introductory

literacy and math activities help build the foundation for future learning.

Trailblazers prepare children for kindergarten through an accredited curriculum aligned with the Virginia Foundation Blocks for Early

Learning: Comprehensive Standards.

Learning includes:

Literacy: Language, vocabulary, letter recognition, and early reading and writing.
Mathematics: Counting, numbers, patterns, shapes, and measurement.
Science: Observation, experimentation, and exploring the natural world.
History and Social Science: Families, communities, and the world around us.
Visual Arts: Creativity and artistic expression.
Music: Singing, rhythm, and movement.
Personal and Social Development: Independence, cooperation, confidence, and self-regulation.
Physical Development: Fine motor skills, coordination, balance, and movement.

Learning remains play-based and age-appropriate. Children build academic skills while practicing the independence, cooperation, and

self-regulation needed for kindergarten.

Child-First Preschool Curriculum

At Tots N Toyland, we use Streamin3, an accredited early childhood curriculum, to guide learning at every age. Teachers use age-

appropriate activities, play, and hands-on experiences to support children’s development and prepare them for the next stage of

learning.

Our program undergoes biannual observations by highly educated early childhood professionals. They evaluate our curriculum,

classroom environments, teaching practices, and teacher-child interactions. We use their feedback to identify areas for improvement

and maintain a high-quality program.

Our Commitment

Across all age groups, we provide a safe, nurturing environment with consistent teachers, smaller classroom groups, and

developmentally appropriate learning experiences. We continually evaluate our practices to help children grow, build relationships, and

prepare for their next stage of learning.