Overview
At First Steps Academy, our Cognia Accredited Preschool and Pre-K program in McLean, VA provides an engaging learning environment where 3 and 4-year-olds build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for kindergarten. We believe children learn best through hands-on experiences and active participation. Every day, our students explore, discover, and create through meaningful activities that encourage them to use all five senses while developing critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Guided by experienced teachers, children strengthen early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills through a comprehensive curriculum that embraces teachable moments and inspires growth in every area of development.
Academics
Our Preschool and Pre-K program in McLean, VA provides an engaging curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Through hands-on experiences, purposeful play, and teacher-guided instruction, children develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for future success.
Three-Year-Old Preschool
In our three-year-old preschool classrooms, children strengthen early literacy, language, and fine motor skills through engaging writing, phonics, math, science, and creative learning experiences. As they build confidence in recognizing letters, forming their names, and expressing themselves, they also develop important social skills by learning to collaborate, communicate, and build meaningful friendships. Each day offers a thoughtful balance of structured learning, hands-on exploration, and purposeful play that encourages curiosity and independence.
Four-Year-Old Pre-K
Our Pre-K program challenges children with a more advanced curriculum focused on kindergarten readiness. Students build strong foundations in reading, phonics, writing, early math, science, and problem-solving while developing critical thinking and confidence. Through engaging classroom activities and real-world learning experiences, children are encouraged to think independently, ask questions, and become enthusiastic learners who are well prepared for a successful transition to kindergarten.
As children grow, they also develop resilience, responsibility, and self-confidence. Our experienced teachers provide the encouragement and support each child needs to embrace new challenges, celebrate individual strengths, and continue growing academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing environment.
Daily Schedule
A typical preschool day starts with group circle time, learning activities, art, music and building projects. After that, children participate in both group and individual learning, free time and directed play. Cooking and science activities tend to be favorites. The following year, students attend a wider variety of specialty classes and monthly field trips.
Communication
We recognize the great trust it requires to place your child in the care of another person. To help provide your family the best possible experience:
- Teachers use the Tadpoles App as the primary method of communication to keep you informed on the important details of your child’s day;
- All classrooms are equipped with phones, and parents are encouraged to check in any time they need; and
- Teachers will notify you of any health issues or significant changes in your child’s mood or behavior, so that you can plan appropriately.
Teacher Qualifications
There is a lead-qualified teacher in every classroom. These instructors have either a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a Child Development Associate’s degree or an equivalent certification. Each lead teacher is supported by an assistant who helps provide care and instruction throughout the day. We select teachers capable of establishing a safe, creative and inspiring learning environment for every student.
Food Service
We offer healthy menus and can make adjustments at your request. Served between 8:30 and 9am, breakfast consists of prepackaged items featuring at least two major food groups. Students eat lunch during a half hour period between 11:30 and 12:30pm. Our caterer, Schoolhouse Grill, crafts hot meals that are balanced according to the food pyramid. At 3pm, students are served a snack consisting of at least two major food groups. At 5pm, remaining students are served an additional light snack that will sustain them until dinner. First Steps Academy is accustomed to serving students on a strict diet. Please let us know how we can help accommodate your child’s unique needs.
