Abracadabra Child Care & Developement Center, Alexandria

Abracadabra Preschool is a non-profit, non-sectarian, full time, full day preschool housed in a facility owned and operated by Commonwealth Baptist Church. The Center admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities; it is also accessible and welcomes children with disabilities. Abracadabra Preschool is located on a residential street in a charming three story house that has been converted to a child care center. The Center has 3 classes: the Munchkins (age 2-3); the Wizards (age 3 -4) and the Genies (age 4-5). The building contains six rooms for class activities, a bathroom on each floor and a kitchen. In 2014 Abracadabra expanded and added 3 classrooms in the church. The Center has 3 classes: the Elves (age 2-3); the Magicians (age 3-4) and the Giants (age 4-5). Outside and adjacent to the center is a 6,500 square foot playground/outdoor classroom that is uniquely designed to promote active play, adventure play, quiet play and nature activities. Most activities that take place indoors, can also take place outdoors on this playground. There are 3 raised beds for gardening activities as well as a rubber track for riding toys. The Center is licensed for 76 children for ages 2 – 5. We are open from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm. Your child may be at school a maximum of 9 hours per day. THE CURRICULUM At Abracadabra Preschool, the framework for the educational program offered to children is based on the High/Scope curriculum, a highly acclaimed, language based system that positively structures the experiences of children. Jean Piaget’s theories of child development have been a major influence in the evolution of the High/Scope Educational Approach.  ​David P. Weikart and his colleagues began developing the curriculum in the early 1960’s, and it now reflects the contributions of numerous educators as well as adaptations from traditional nursery school practice. This educational approach accepts children as active learners who, with adult guidance, take responsibility for planning, carrying out, and evaluating their activities. (plan, do, review). ​In order to meet the individual needs of each child and also implement the curriculum in small groups, staff numbers are sufficient and class size is limited. The Munchkins and Elves have between 10–13 children and 2 teachers. The Wizards, Magicians, Giants and Genies have a maximum of 15 children per classroom and have two teachers in each. We also have an additional teacher to aide in any classroom needs. Abracadabra Preschool is a place for growth and learning. Our philosophy of discipline is that it involves teaching, learning, and helping. The goal is to teach each child to manage his/her own behavior, to get to know each individual child to better understand their behavior and to help the children by making rules and expectations reasonable and clear. With the High/Scope curriculum, we believe that many management problems are prevented because the classroom environment is carefully planned. Many other problems, of course, must be dealt with on the spot. Our ultimate goal in handling management issues is to help children become aware of their own actions, of how those actions affect the people and things in their environment and of how the choices they make can help them resolve difficulties and conflicts.  In order to enlist some basic prevention strategies in child management, we: - Have designed our environment with the development needs and limitations of the children in mind. - Have established a consistent daily routine so children are able to predict and plan for things that are about to happen - Have established reasonable limits to be followed in the classrooms. The rationale for limits is explained to the children. - Model ways of interacting with materials and people. - Plan for transition times. - Respect and plan for the different abilities and interests of each child. We also use the following on-the-spot management techniques to handle problems as they arise: - We intervene immediately to stop behavior that is unsafe or destructive - We use language to identify children’s feelings and concerns. - We ask children to put their own feelings and desires into words. - We ask children to think of their own solutions to problems. - We redirect inappropriate behaviors and activities. - We avoid language that passes judgment on a child. - When we stop behavior that is unacceptable, we explain the reasons to children. - We decide if children can settle things without our help before we step in. - We provide a quiet area for children who need time and space to regain control of their actions or emotions.  Physical punishment is never an acceptable form of management for a child at Abracadabra Preschool. Food is never withheld from a child as a form of discipline. The Munchkins/Elves are the youngest classes. The ages are 2-3. We have between 10-12 children per class and 2 teachers. The Wizards/Magicians are our middle-aged groups. The ages are 3-4. We have between 12-16 children per class and 2 teachers. The Genies/Giants are the oldest groups. The ages are 4-5. We have between 12-16 children with 2 teachers.