Summary
Contact Info
Bryant Early Learning (BEL) Center
2709 Popkins Lane
Alexandria
, VA
22306
www.ucmagency.org/ccp-overview.html
Tel:
(703) 765-0909
Fax:
(703) 765-5638
Director:
Jen Molden
jen.molden@ucmagency.org
General Approach to Learning
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Play-based with some structure |
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Predominantly teacher-led instruction |
Application Information
| Applications accepted |
While child is in utero, upon birth, after a phone conversation with the appropriate person at the school, after a face-to-face meeting at the school |
| Deadline for applications |
Rolling |
Key Statistics
| Age cutoff for enrollment |
2 months |
| School year |
Year round program |
Kindergarten Placement
Parent Ratings
| Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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| Quality of teaching |
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| Development of social skills and work habits |
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| Home-school connection |
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| Parent community |
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| Discipline |
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| Facilities |
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| Health |
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| Safety |
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| Handling of separation |
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Survey Information
Number of parents surveyed:
4
Director survey: Yes
Savvy Source survey: Yes
General Info
Basic Stats
Transportation and Drop-off Policies
Transportation
Dropoff Procedure
Features of the Preschool
| Provide a third year |
Yes
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| • Kindergarten readiness focused in accordance with guidelines in the County |
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| Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program |
No
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| Affiliated with a religious institution |
No
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| Some experience serving children with special needs |
Yes
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| • We have worked closely with the families whose children have special needs. Monitoring of IEPs and close colaboration with additional staff within county services. |
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Accreditation, Membership & Awards
| Accreditation by the National Association of Young Children |
No
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Other Accreditations
Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.8) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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Facilities Include:
| Classrooms (with bathroom attached) |
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| Classrooms (with kitchenette attached) |
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| Library |
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Playground
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Diverse enrollee and staff population; staff able to connect with children and families of diverse backgrounds; socioeconomic diversity; longevity of classroom staff is unrivaled (many have been with the center for more than 7 years; a few for 10+ years and one with nearly 20 years); open and communicative management; each child's situation and circumstances are handled in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
Parent #2
I enjoyed the dedication of the teachers and the diversity of the staff and children. It truly reflects the community.
Parent #3
The diversity of the staff and the students is the strength of the school. The curriculum is challenging and the children really seem to have fun. The teachers really get to know you children and bond with them. They have a full-time Childhood Development Specialist who observes all of the classrooms and performs individual screenings for the children, to identify any developmental problems or delays, and make early interventions. The parents form a cohesive and supportive community.
School Philosophy & Day in the Life
School Philosophy and Mission
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School
Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source
Quality of Teaching
Teachers Are:
| OVERALL RATING: (4.8) |
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| Full of energy and seemingly happy in job |
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| Patient and affectionate with children |
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| Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior |
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| Provides feedback on what my child does during the day |
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| Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate |
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| Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses |
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| If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off |
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| Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute |
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| Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them |
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| Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn |
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| Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts |
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| Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children |
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Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
My child was very shy at first, as an infant. But the Infant Teacher took a lot a time with my child and enjoyed reporting to me how my child's personality was opening up.
Parent #2
All of the teachers have been wonderful. They have a full-time on staff Childhood Development Specialist and a full-time Infant Coordinator.
Home School Connection
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.8) |
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year |
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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Separation
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Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
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Small group sessions
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Parents in classroom early on
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Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
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Director's and Parents' Comments
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The school population is diverse, culturally, ethnically and economically. I loved that
Drop-in Policy
- During school parents are welcomed as the school has an open door policy
General Parent Education
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (3.5) |
Parents:
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
Discipline, Health and Safety
Discipline
| OVERALL RATING (4.7) |
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| Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another
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Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
The BEL Center is located on the grounds of a Fairfax County School, and has a program where high school teens with children can attend class while their children attend the BEL Center.
Health
| OVERALL RATING (5.0) |
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| Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable |
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| Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
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Food Allergies
Medications
Safety
| OVERALL RATING (4.5) |
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| Screen and identify all visitors
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| Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others |
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