Toddler “Ones” Program

Our services

Toddler Daycare

The Vine Preschool has been a trusted care provider in Alexandria, VA, for 17 years. Our dedicated team of early childhood educators understands that every child is unique, and we tailor our approach to support their developmental milestones. Our toddler day care program encourages curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional growth in a nurturing and engaging environment.

We provide hands-on learning experiences that help develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and independence. With a focus on safety and individualized attention, we strive to create a warm and welcoming space where every child feels valued and supported.

      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!

Ages 1 – 2

After infants have navigated their environment, they become curious about the environment around them and begin to explore

Each baby develops at his or her own pace, crawling or walking when they are ready to do so

Staff creates an environment that is inviting and supports curiosity and exploration

One-year olds are learning to share the same space with others while also learning the concept of sharing and turn-taking

Some activities include large knob puzzles, toys with sound effects and objects to fill and dump

An environment that encourages crawling, climbing, standing, and walking

1 – 2 Year Olds Daily Schedule

Diapers will be changed every two hours or as needed.
6:30 – 8:00 Sippy Cups / Diaper Checks / Changes/Block Play
8:00 – 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 Morning Activity / Craft/Story, Circle Time / Music and Songs
9:30 – 10:45 Indoor / Outdoor Play / Large Motor Activities
10:45 – 11:00 Hand Washing and Story time
11:00 – 11:30 Lunch
11:30 – 11:45 Diaper Checks / Changes
11:45 – 2:30 Nap / Quiet time
2:40 – 3:00 Diaper Changes / Hand Washing
3:00 – 3:30 Snack
3:30 – 5:00 Afternoon Activity / Floortime – Indoor / Outdoor Walks & Play
5:00 – 6:00 Diaper Checks / Changes / Music, Small Motor Toys

Toddler Day Care Alexandria VA

During this stage, our staff also makes safety a top priority as your child begin to crawl, pull up, stand, and walk. Our staff is vigilant and physically present while they explore. Young toddlers also have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit, throw toys, bite, kick and scream. We will try to prevent inappropriate behaviors and redirect when necessary.

Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers learn from teachers but much of what they learn is from each other. Therefore, the environment must be conducive to learning. The Vine Preschool environment provides materials, “toys” and activities that are developmentally appropriate and encourage the learning and exploring process.

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 toddlers in our Toddler “Ones” classroom:

Emotional Stimulation – providing emotional support during times of happiness and excitement, as well as sadness and separation anxiety
Environmental Stimulation – providing opportunities that encourage socialization with others; not always having several of the same toys-learning the process of sharing and turn-taking
Language Stimulation – helping your toddler begin the expressive communication process; narrating for them as they try to communicate their wants and needs with their peers and staff
Physical Stimulation – introducing sensory experiences such as water play and finger painting; indoor and outdoor activities that encourage crawling, coasting, climbing and walking
Neurological Stimulation – combining these experiences to increase the brain’s ability to make more connections between the navigating stage and the exploring stage of development

Top-Rated Toddler Daycare in Alexandria, VA: A Safe and Enriching Environment for Your Little One

Finding a trusted daycare in Alexandria, VA is an important decision for parents looking to provide their child with a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment. At The Vine Preschool, we specialize in age-appropriate learning experiences that encourage independence, social development, and early education.

Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers (2–3 years old)

Why Choose Our Toddler Daycare?

Our toddler program is designed to promote exploration, creativity, and early learning in a structured yet fun setting. We offer:

✅ Safe & Stimulating Classrooms – Our toddler rooms are designed for active learning, with age-appropriate toys and activities that promote cognitive, social, and motor skills.
✅ Experienced & Caring Teachers – Our qualified staff ensures each child receives personalized attention in a nurturing environment.
✅ Hands-On Learning – We incorporate music, art, storytelling, and interactive play to make learning fun.
✅ Flexible Scheduling – Offering full-time toddler daycare to fit the needs of busy parents.
✅ Convenient Location – Serving families in Old Town, Alexandria, Fort Belvoir, Kingstowne, and surrounding Alexandria neighborhoods.

A Place Where Toddlers Learn and Grow

At The Vine Preschool, we provide an environment where toddlers build confidence, develop friendships, and prepare for preschool. Some of our structured daily routine includes:

Circle time to promote early literacy and communication
Outdoor play to develop motor skills and encourage movement
Social interaction to foster sharing, teamwork, and independence
Creative activities like music, art, and hands-on exploration

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.

Toddler “Ones” Program

Our services