Toddler Twos
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Best Toddler Daycare in Alexandria, VA: Enriching Care for 2-3 Year Olds

Are you searching for a trusted toddler daycare in Alexandria, VA that provides a safe, engaging, and structured learning environment for your 2-3-year-old? At The Vine Preschool, we specialize in nurturing young minds through hands-on learning, social development, and early education programs designed specifically for toddlers.

Finding the right toddler daycare can feel overwhelming, but The Vine Preschool makes the choice easy. Our safe, nurturing, and engaging environment is designed to support the growth and happiness of 2-3-year-old toddlers.

EXCELLENT
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Based on 30 reviews
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Kimberly Shaw profile picture
Kimberly Shaw
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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.
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Ryan Davies profile picture
Ryan Davies
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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!
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Peace Be Still
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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.
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Daniel Powell profile picture
Daniel Powell
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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!
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Morgan White profile picture
Morgan White
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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.
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Zachary White profile picture
Zachary White
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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.
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Shaina Elgort profile picture
Shaina Elgort
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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.
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Ken E profile picture
Ken E
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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.
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Menal Powell profile picture
Menal Powell
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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.
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Nicki Demmel profile picture
Nicki Demmel
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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!

Let The Vine Preschool Nurture Your Child’s Growth

Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children and there will be times when children test limits with adults. We frequently use the term “use your listening ears” and children have responded well to that approach.

We will also try to help children read and understand the facial cues of others when they are verbally or physically aggressive towards one another. We believe that when we help children take the time to look at a friend whose feeling they’ve hurt, we are increasing their social emotional skills in the area of social relations.

It takes time for children to learn how to respond sympathetically to peers in need and express empathy for others. This is a developing skill and our staff will always help children develop this skill in the area of social relations.

Age 2

  • The Toddler Twos program is all about socialization and negotiation. At this stage of development, children are mostly expressing themselves nonverbally.
  • By age two, toddlers are very passionate about what they want, and can become easily frustrated.
  • Our caregivers understand this and make a concerted effort to encourage turn-taking and facilitate playing together.

2 – 3 Year Olds Daily Schedule

6:30 – 7:30 Arrive in Classrooms / Centers / Free Play
7:30 – 8:00 Diaper Changes / Potty Time / Wash Hands
8:00 – 8:40 Breakfast
8:40 – 9:00 Circle Time / Story / Songs
9:00 – 10:00 Small Group Activity, Free Play-all centers open
10:00 – 10:45 Outdoor Play/Music and Movement
10:45 – 11:00 Individual Quiet Time / Story Time / Clean up
11:00 – 11:45 Lunch
11:45 – 12:00 Storytime / Pottytime
12:00 – 2:30 Nap
2:30 – 3:00 Potty / Diaper Changes
3:00 – 4:00 Snack / Outdoor Play
4:00 – 5:00 Free Play-All Centers Open / Large Motor Activity
5:00 – 6:00 Table Top Toys / Manipulatives / Puzzles

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 Seedling Infant Program and continues throughout our Toddler and Preschool programs.

In the same way that we experience the world through our five senses, the S² philosophy encompasses five sensory experiences for two-year olds:
  1. Emotional Stimulation – supporting two-year olds’ desire for independence, and helping your toddler manage their anger frustration
  2. Environmental Stimulation – providing play areas that encourage block building, pretend play and small motor skills like puzzles and painting
  3. Language Stimulation – giving toddlers the words to use when they are frustrated; reading books and talking about stories; talking about their own experiences at school and at home because at this stage, two-year olds take pride in what’s going on in their world.
  4. Physical Stimulation – indoor music and movement and outdoor play
  5. Neurological Stimulation – combining these experiences to increase the brain’s ability to make connections between the navigating stage, exploring stage and the negotiating stage of development

Why Choose Our Toddler Daycare at The Vine Preschool?

Our toddler program is designed to support early development, encourage independence, and prepare children for preschool in a fun and engaging way.

✅ Safe & Stimulating Learning Spaces – Our classrooms are designed for active learning, featuring age-appropriate toys, hands-on activities, and creative play areas.
✅ Structured Daily Routines – We follow a schedule that balances learning, play, and rest, helping toddlers develop a sense of structure and security.
✅ Social & Emotional Growth – Our program fosters teamwork, sharing, and communication skills, helping children build confidence and friendships.
✅ Experienced & Caring Teachers – Our trained educators provide individualized attention to help your toddler learn at their own pace.
✅ Flexible Enrollment Options – We offer full-time and part-time toddler daycare near me, designed to fit the schedules of busy Alexandria families.

A Learning Experience Designed for Toddlers (Ages 2-3)

At The Vine Preschool, we believe that the toddler years are a critical time for development. Our program includes:

  • Early Language & Literacy – Storytime, songs, and interactive conversations help toddlers develop language skills.
  • Fine & Gross Motor Development – Activities like puzzles, painting, and outdoor play enhance coordination and physical strength.
  • Creative Exploration – Music, movement, and art activities encourage imagination and self-expression.
  • Social Development – Group play and structured activities help toddlers learn teamwork, patience, and cooperation.
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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.