Location:
Welcome to Cardinal Forest Little Cottage! Our licensed, home-based daycare is nestled in the quiet Cardinal Forest community of Springfield, VA. We’re conveniently located just off Carrleigh Parkway, with quick access to Forrester Boulevard and Rolling Road (Route 638). Plus, we’re only a minute away from the beautiful Carrleigh Parkway Park.
Program:
Cardinal Forest Little Cottage operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We provide both full-time and part-time child care for infants as young as 6 weeks, as well as toddlers and preschoolers up to 5 years old.
Tuition includes healthy, home-cooked meals prepared in a peanut-free and tree nut-free environment, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all children, especially those with allergies.
About Me:
Hi parents! I am the proud owner and main caregiver at Cardinal Forest Little Cottage. I bring over 17 years of hands-on experience in child care, and I’m certified in CPR and First Aid. My journey into caregiving began when my own children were young, and what started as a way to be close to them quickly grew into a true passion.
I’ve always found joy in being around children: their laughter, imagination, and natural curiosity are incredibly uplifting. Opening my home daycare allowed me to create a space where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn and grow every day. Watching children reach new milestones and knowing I played a small part in their early development is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.
Over the years, I’ve also come to value the meaningful relationships I build with families, and I feel honored to be part of their children’s early learning journeys. I look forward to welcoming your child into our daycare family and helping them grow with love, laughter, and learning every step of the way.
Philosophy & Curriculum
At Cardinal Forest Little Cottage, we believe that children learn best through play. Each day is thoughtfully planned to include activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and joy, while supporting every aspect of a child’s development. These experiences help children build essential skills while enjoying the process of learning.
Equally important to us is forming genuine, individual connections with each child. By taking the time for one-on-one interactions and truly listening, we gain a deeper understanding of their needs, feelings, and interests.
We want families to feel confident knowing their children are in a nurturing preschool environment that values their well-being and potential. Our mission is simple: to create a joyful, supportive space where children feel at home and are ready to thrive, both now and in the future.
Daily Activities:
At Cardinal Forest Little Cottage, we follow a daily routine that blends learning and fun in a nurturing environment. We begin each morning with music and movement activities that help children start the day with energy and excitement.
Throughout the day, children participate in creative projects like arts and crafts, coloring, and hands-on activities that inspire imagination and support fine motor development. We also introduce early learning concepts such as letters, numbers, and shapes through fun, interactive lessons that make learning enjoyable.
After lunch, children enjoy quiet time in a separate nap room, where each child has their own cozy space to rest. Alongside English, I am fluent in Amharic and am happy to introduce your child to a new language upon request.
When the weather permits, outdoor play is a daily highlight, giving children space to move, breathe fresh air, and interact with others through group games and free play. This balance of structured learning and free time supports their mental, physical and social development in a safe and welcoming playground.
To learn more about Cardinal Forest Little Cottage, contact us through CareLuLu or schedule a visit today! 😊