Preschoolers Program

Our services

Best Preschool for 3-5 Year Olds in Alexandria, VA

When searching Google for the preschoolers for your 3 to 5-year-old, the process can feel daunting. If you’re here in Mount Vernon or within 5 miles, you want a place where your child will not only be safe but also thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

At The Vine Preschool, we specialize in providing high-quality care for preschoolers, offering a well-rounded curriculum that helps them grow, learn, and prepare for kindergarten.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 30 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kimberly Shaw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Vine Preschool at St. James is a wonderful, nurturing environment for young children. The owner/director is very knowledgeable and caring - a helpful combination for parents putting their baby or toddler in daycare. She hires caring, encouraging individuals. Both of our children attended The Vine Preschool at St. James. We knew our kids were in caring, protective, and nurturing hands. They were happy to go every day. We would not have sent them anywhere else.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ryan Davies 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I cannot say enough positive things about the Vine Preschool. The administrators and teachers poured so much positive and nurturing energy into our children. Our children were so happy to go there every day and gained many wonderful academic, social and interpersonal skills. We recently moved out of state and saying goodbye to the Vine was one of the harder parts of the move. We highly recommend both locations of the Vine for future families!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peace Be Still 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This PreSchool is awesome! They have an amazing group of providers. The admin staff is knowledgeable, patient & bilingual. There is a great multicultural vibe amongst the staff & children. The fee is comparable to the other schools in the neighborhood. However, this location operates 0600-1800. So that was the extra bonus for my family & work schedule.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Powell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t be happier with our experience at The Vine Preschool at Saint James. From the very first day, the teachers and staff have been welcoming, caring, and attentive to our child’s needs. The teachers provided personalized attention, and the curriculum is both engaging and enriching. Our child has shown so much growth socially and academically, thanks to the thoughtful and structured activities planned each day. We especially appreciate the school’s emphasis on kindness, creativity, and learning through play. The facilities are clean, safe, and well-equipped, making it a fantastic environment for young children. We highly recommend The Vine Preschool to any parent looking for a nurturing and positive early education experience!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Morgan White 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love this school! We came here because we quickly needed daycare when we first arrived in the area. I am so thankful that we were blessed to find this location. The director, Ms. Kim is so extremely responsive and the staff treats each child as if they were their own. Every teacher knows each kids name even if they are not in their class and they always give a warm greeting.  Ms. Kim ensures her staff is held to the highest standards in the way the staff treats and teaches the children as well as the state of the facility itself. It is kid friendly, welcoming, and above all very clean. They offer power tots during the day once a week which has been such a wonderful opportunity for my child. They love it and it has helped with development as well. We also appreciate the meals offered. It makes our lives so much easier. The academic activities are also great for child development. Finally, the app for getting updates throughout provides such peace of mind especially for infants. We initially were waitlisted for another school and when we were finally offered a spot, we knew there was no way we were changing. We have been here over two years and most certainly would recommend sending your child here for any age.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Zachary White 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are so thankful and blessed to find this location. The director, Ms. Kim is extremely responsive and the staff treats each child as if they were their own. Every teacher knows each kids name even if they are not in their class and they always give a warm greeting. We also appreciate the meals offered. It makes our lives so much easier. The academic activities are also great for child development. Finally, the app for getting updates throughout provides such peace of mind especially for infants. We initially were waitlisted for another school and when we were finally offered a spot, we knew there was no way we were changing. We have been here over two years and most certainly would recommend it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shaina Elgort 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Vine Preschool has been my daughter’s safe haven and has eased my mama heart in our transition to daycare. Knowing that she is safe, loved, and nurtured by the teachers and director has given me peace of mind. We are so incredibly lucky to have found them. As a professional who works with kids in childcare settings the Vine Preschool has exceeded my expectations with love, kindness, and professionalism.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ken E 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our daughter loves The Vine and all the amazing teachers and director. We were nervous parents sending her to daycare but The Vine has been such a great fit for our family.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Menal Powell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I switched my son to the Vine Preschool at St James after we had some issues with potty training at his old daycare. The teachers helped my son adjust to the school but also helped him get potty trained pretty quickly. I like the fact that meals are provided at a decent rate and they also provide gymnastics class once a week.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicki Demmel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I knew both of my girls were in great hands right away at The Vine. The teachers love the kids like their own and make them feel safe and important. I have had two kids now at St James and cannot recommend it enough! They truly are passionate and caring individuals. Ms. Kim puts a lot of time and thought into the people she hires and runs a no nonsense ship! Thank you!

3-5 yr Old Preschooler Schedule

Between the ages of 3-5 years old, there is a dramatic increase in a child’s development. The child you have watched grow thus far is now blossoming into a child full of wonder. Children at this stage begin to think about the world around them and also begin to ask questions about what they see, hear and experience. Our Alexandria preschool strives to give our parents the best quality care.

6:30 – 8:00 Centers/ Free Play
8:00 – 8:45 Wash hands, Breakfast
8:45 – 9:00 Bathroom, Wash Hands,
9:00 – 10:00 Circle Time, Story Time / Songs, Small Group Activities, Art, Science, Mathematics, Language Arts
10:00 – 10:45 Indoor / Outdoor Play / Music and Movement
10:45 – 11:00 Children Clean-Up for Lunch / Bathroom Break / Helpers set-up for lunch
11:00 – 11:30 Lunch
11:30 – 12:00 Clean Up / Bathroom / Hand Washing
12:00 – 2:30 Nap Time / Rest Time on cots
2:30 – 3:00 Bathroom / Put cots away
3:00 – 4:00 Story Time / Centers / Free Play
4:00 – 5:00 Large Group Activities, Large Motor, Indoor / Outdoor Play
5:00 – 6:00 Individual / Small Group Play, Table Top Activities / Puzzles / Clean-Up, Pick-Up

S² Philosophy

The S-squared philosophy is our belief that every child needs seed deposits of security, stability and stimulation in order to grow cognitively, emotionally and physically. This cultivation begins in our Caterpillars Infant Program and continues throughout our Toddler and Preschool programs. Click here to read more about our philosophy.

In the same way that we experience the world through our five senses, the S² philosophy encompasses five sensory experiences for 3-5 year olds:

Emotional Stimulation – providing emotional support during times of happiness and excitement, as well as sadness and separation anxiety
Environmental Stimulation – providing a wide variety of activities that promote pretend play, encourage letter recognition, master math concepts, experience scientific concepts, and encourage problem solving skills
Physical Stimulation – increasing small motor skills through play; teaching writing skills; providing opportunities for drawing, coloring, painting, and cutting; and teaching large motor skills such as throwing, catching and pedaling a tricycle

Language Stimulation – providing two or more opportunities for story time daily, reading the same book several times to increase vocabulary and teach basic comprehension skills, and promote frequent conversation between peers and adults
Neurological Stimulation – combining these experiences to increase the brain’s ability to make connections between the navigating stage, exploring stage, the negotiating stage as well as the thinking and problem solving stage of development

Based on collected data over the years, most of the children who enter the Preschool classroom from our Toddler Twos program

can count to 10 and (often) beyond;

can successfully complete a 4-8 pc. isolated puzzle;

can turn the pages of a book right-side-up, one page at a time;

can sit during circle time for at least 10 minutes;

can demonstrate emerging pretend play skills using typical objects to represent something else; and much more!

Goals for Our Three Year-Olds:

By age 3, most of our children will

name a minimum of 8 colors;

play alongside their peers and interact by building structures together;

identify their first name and at least 3 friends’ first names when seen in print;

cut with scissors proficiently;

verbally state their first and last name and the first and last names of at least 2 friends;

By age 4, most of our children can

name, identify and make the initial sound of 10 or more letters of the alphabet;

write their first name legibly;

count to 30 or beyond;
draw, color, paint/create descriptive pictures, then verbally state what they have made;
Preparing Children for Kindergarten and Beyond

Why Choose Our Daycare for Preschoolers?

As a parent, you want to feel confident that your child is getting the best care possible in a safe and enriching environment. Here’s why The Vine Preschool is the ideal choice for your 3-5-year-old:

1. Focused Learning & Development for Preschoolers

At The Vine Preschool, we offer a preschool program for toddlers that focuses on helping your child develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life. Our structured preschool curriculum includes:

✔ Early Literacy – With daily story time and phonics activities, your preschooler will develop essential reading and writing skills.
✔ Mathematics & Problem Solving – Hands-on activities, such as counting games and puzzles, introduce basic math concepts in a fun, engaging way.
✔ Creative Expression – Our program includes arts and crafts, music, and dance to help preschoolers express themselves and build fine motor skills.
✔ Social Skills – Group play and cooperative activities teach sharing, teamwork, and conflict resolution, helping your child learn how to navigate relationships with peers.

2. Experienced Educators Who Care

Our team of trained professionals understands the unique developmental needs of preschoolers. We focus on providing a nurturing and positive environment where your child feels safe to explore, create, and grow. Each day, we offer individual attention, ensuring your child’s social, emotional, and academic growth.

3. A Fun and Structured Day for Preschoolers

Children thrive in environments where they feel safe and supported. Our schedule is designed to provide balance between learning, play, and rest, giving your preschooler the best of both worlds:

Morning Learning Circles – Educational activities that focus on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth.
Outdoor Play – Time for your child to get fresh air, develop physical coordination, and practice gross motor skills.
Nap Time – A quiet time for your preschooler to recharge, ensuring they have the energy to finish their day with enthusiasm.
Snack & Mealtime – We provide healthy snacks and meals, teaching preschoolers about nutrition and sharing.

4. Safe & Stimulating Environment

We understand that safety is your top priority, which is why we maintain a secure, well-supervised environment. Our daycare facilities are fully equipped with age-appropriate toys and learning materials designed to stimulate early childhood development. Our premises are regularly cleaned, and all staff members are CPR-certified and trained in emergency procedures.

If you’re looking for a trusted daycare for preschoolers in Alexandria, VA, The Vine Preschool offers the ideal environment to support your child’s growth and development. With our experienced teachers, engaging activities, and focus on early education for preschoolers, your child will receive the foundation they need to succeed.

Infant Daycare

The first way that infants take in their surroundings is through sight and sound. They are navigating through their environment and rely heavily on familiar faces and voices.

Toddler Ones
(1-2)

During this stage, our staff also makes safety a top priority as toddlers begin to crawl, pull up, stand, and walk. Our staff is vigilant and physically present while toddlers explore.

Toddler Twos
(2-3)

The Toddler Twos program is all about socialization and negotiation. At this stage of development, children are mostly expressing themselves nonverbally.

Preschool
(3-5)

Between the ages of 3-5 years old, there is a dramatic increase in a child’s development. The child you have watched grow thus far is now blossoming into a child full of wonder.

Preschoolers Program

Our services