Fun & Friends Child Development Center, Mclean

Fun & Friends provides developmentally appropriate programs for children from six weeks to six years of age. We stress rich learning experiences that stimulate children intellectually and give them an opportunity to master skills while having fun. Children participate at their own level, during both structured activities and free playtime. Early childhood literacy development is emphasized in every program, Infants through Preschool. Programs are geared to meet the physical, social, emotional and educational needs of the individual at his or her own readiness level, taking into consideration each child’s particular stage of growth and development. The Creative Curriculum methodology is used to support the program and teaching staff at each level. The Creative Curriculum is an award-winning curriculum that uses exploration and discovery as a way of learning and enables children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills. Programs for Infants and Toddlers Fun & Friends’ specially designed Infant and Toddler programs emphasize: Learning through curiosity, the sense of self and relationship Early literacy for infants & toddlers using the 1-2-3 Read! Virginia program ([redacted]) Eye, hand, motor coordination through games, music, movement (Toddlers receive weekly, specialized movement classes) The use of naturally occurring daily activities and routines to guide learning experiences Self-help to foster independence and self mastery Loving interaction with skilled educators and caregivers For Preschoolers and Pre-kindergarteners Our Early Childhood Education programs focus on individual readiness, self mastery and building of positive self image in an atmosphere of acceptance and affection. Our preschool programs incorporate the use of integrated curricula from Pearson Education Publishing Co. The Pre-School–Cubs program uses Read Together/Talk Together and our Pre-Kindergarten–Butterflies program uses Opening the World to Learning OWL which is aligned to the Virginia State Standards of Learning (SOL) so that our graduates are ready to excel in their local public schools. These programs also include: Pre-Reading and Pre-Math Skills leading to mastery of basic skills Science Centers that encourage exploration and problem solving Spanish introduction classes using materials designed especially for this age group Large muscle development through climbing, tumbling, and movement, yoga and dance Self help and mastery skills in personal hygiene Dramatic Play Arts & crafts, painting Artists-in-Residence, Story telling and classroom library time Seasonal & Holiday Celebrations Computer play and computer games Intergenerational Activities with the Senior’s Center Our special programs make total child care a reality: Full-time early childhood education and child care for Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers Drop-in care based on space availability Art, music, and exercise Special child-centered programs…artists-in residence, birthday celebrations, holiday celebrations, etc. The curricular program at Fun and Friends is designed to meet the needs of children at each developmental stage, and professional development for our staff is always on-going. The program is sequential, starting with our youngest learners in the Infant and Toddler rooms and continuing on into our PreSchool and Prekindergarten classes. The Creative Curriculum methodology is used to support the program and teaching staff at each level. The Creative Curriculum is an award-winning curriculum that uses exploration and discovery as a way of learning and enables children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills.