Both of our kids started going to Ms. Claudia's when they were about 3 months old. They've formed…read moresome great friendships and are always excited to see their friends at day care. Ms. Claudia and her two daughters watch over the kids providing a variety of activities from picnics and backyard splash pads in the summer to arts and crafts in the fall. Claudia's day care has a great adult to child ratio (about 3 adults to 10 kids) and offers one of the best rates in the area, not to mention her generous discount for the second child. If you have rigid expectations and want hourly updates/photos than this might not be the day care for you. If you are OK with play all day every day in a safe environment, then Claudia's day care will be perfect for you.

Claudia has been a godsend to us over the last two years. Our daughter started with her at four…read moremonths and is now two. She takes care of the kids as if they're her own. My daughter is so excited to see Claudia every morning and I know she is loved and taken care of. It's a bonus that out of nowhere she started singing her ABCs and counting to 10, we certainly did not teach her that and attribute it to Claudia!! We are moving soon and I am so so sad to leave, I know we'll never find someone as great.

I regret enrolling my daughter here. Despite committing early (touring in Feb 2024, paying a…read moredeposit, and submitting all forms), the school's lack of communication, disorganization, and disregard for basic safety and hygiene created a deeply frustrating and emotionally exhausting year. From misplaced incident reports and unaddressed injuries, to administrative errors and tone-deaf leadership, this school consistently failed to provide a safe, transparent, and developmentally supportive environment. My daughter came home with swollen lips, unexplained bruises, missing shoes, and stories of peer mistreatment -- with no formal documentation provided, despite repeated requests. These were not isolated events; I have video/photo documentation, and other parents voiced similar concerns in meetings. The director's conduct was both inappropriate and hypocritical -- once sending me a photo of my 3-year-old with paper in her mouth and demanding I "talk to her about telling the truth" over a harmless joke (gum from dad), while gaslighting parents about emails that were never sent. We were made to feel like the problem, when in reality the school's tech systems, operations, and staffing plans were simply broken. Staffing was unstable -- the lead teacher left for maternity leave with no real succession plan. Parents were informed of changes through hallway gossip before any official notice. Other red flags included: * Poor nap hygiene (child's skin broke out); * No proper underwear/clean clothes sent home; * Unsafe food handling policies; * Lost orthopedic shoes due to mishandling after an accident -- only replaced after escalation; * Inconsistent behavioral reporting, with my child being singled out for normal 3-year-old behavior, while aggressive peer behavior went unaddressed all year. The school showed a lack of respect for working parents, sending critical updates (like school closures) late at night and offering no accessible options for required events (no childcare, no virtual options, last-minute notices). They ran meetings on free Zoom accounts that cut off mid-call, used free Gmail accounts, and misunderstood basic tools like unlisted YouTube links. My concerns were dismissed, incident reports were never filed, and when I reported this to the county, I was told it was "too late." Given how long and hard I tried to resolve these issues internally -- and my documentation of events -- this only added to the heartbreak. In hindsight, I should have trusted my gut and pulled my child out much earlier. If you're a parent considering this school, please ask hard questions about staff turnover, behavior policies, safety reporting, and operational transparency. And if something feels off -- trust yourself.

Will only state the facts that lead to this review…read more.. In preparation for our move to VA this year, my family and I have been searching for a suitable Montessori school within this area. After speaking with Cardinal several times via the phone we felt that this might be a great option. A few weeks ago, my wife had scheduled a school tour and staff meet with Cardinal's senior coordinator (not official title) to allow us to see a routine day at the school and view its operation. We scheduled the tour for a Friday, which we were told was not "normal" but would be allowed given the fact that my family had to drive 5+ hours to get there. The tour was locked on that Monday with a 0930 start time on Friday. We had no other communication from the school throughout the week and on Thursday afternoon, we hit the road after I had gotten off work and arrived in VA just after midnight. We were up the following Friday morning and arrived at Cardinal at 0910 to an empty parking lot, locked building, lights off, and no one on site... We sat, waited, and attempted to call anyone with no luck and no response. It was about 0930 when finally a car pulled up and a women was dropped off. She didn't engage us at all and simply walked into the school. My wife proceeded to knock on the door and was met by said women who appeared to be cleaning. My wife explained our situation to the women who simply laughed, nodded, and said that the school was closed due to a maintenance emergency. A few minutes later, another women arrived who identified herself as a teacher. We calmly explained how we were scheduled to meet with a Ms. Igera for our tour but had not been able to reach her or anyone else. The teacher looked surprised and quickly reiterated that the school had been closed for the last few days. She then pulled out her phone and said she would call the "school owner" who was already on her way to Cardinal. At approx. 0945 the school co-owner arrived and welcomed us inside. We explained, again, who we were and why we were there. She quickly apologized and then explained how the school closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to plumbing issues. They had sent all the students and staff home and were now back (Friday morning) in order to clean for the reopening on Monday. She didn't ask any further about the botched tour appointment, but rather tried to go right into her pitch for the school. At the end of the walk-through, we were on our way out the door when we asked for Ms. Igera to call us about the clear failure in communication. The Co-owner said she would, glorified her staff, and said she hoped we would consider them when we moved... Fast forward 2+ weeks later....we got that call.... And it was to schedule yet another tour at the school. Nothing more. The level of complete disregard, disrespect, and sheer unprofessionalism that went into this waste of time is truly astounding. For better perspective, here is a better overview of all my family and I sacrificed in order to simply VISIT the school and observe its operation. - late night drive 5+ hours after work. - pulled my 4yo daughter out of current school in order to see the Cardinal school and meet the teachers. - my wife is 7 months pregnant at the time of all this. And she had to make all these movements. - I scheduled a full day away from work to make this trip happen. - spent hundreds on gas to make the round trip. Along with paying for a hotel in order to stay overnight... The Cardinal school may do just fine in some things, but I find it hard to imagine what. The coordination, communication, and lack of accountability is frightening. To make a commitment to an outside family who is willing to spend thousands on the betterment of their children's care and education and then not even have the courtesy to communicate a simple appointment change is unacceptable. I would HIGHLY encourage any family seeking a Montessori program to move on and explore other options (military families or otherwise). I have nothing negative to post about the teachers who work here, simply the lack of efficient and effective administrative overview of the school itself. This was not a sophisticated encounter, but rather a simple and what I would image routine engagement with an interested party. If this is how they treat an unaffiliated party, how do they respond under higher stress situations? Who actually maintains the schools appointments? Who is charge of registrations? Etc... Bottom line, keep searching. There are other great options within this region of VA, as my family and I learned. So disappointed to leave a review of this manner on a Montessori related establishment, but title alone does not guarantee quality. I truly hope this review can bring about a greater awareness of the low standard practices at Cardinal.

I was very optimistic and excited when kiddie Academy opened in the area. It started out pretty…read moregreat but the high staff retention has caused this place to go down hill very quickly. If you are looking for a place of baby sitting this is the right place for you. If you are looking for a legitimate curriculum and education to prepare your kid, do yourself and your pockets a favor and look somewhere else. I'll start with the pro: -Location is convenient -New building/classroom -Cameras in the classroom(it's not common everywhere else) Cons: -Director is a joke. Terrible customer service, I wonder if the owners realizes she is tanking their business. -Pre-K teacher Jocelyn is rude and unprofessional. She will not help your kid; she will let them play all day and good Luck when they get to kindergarten. The way she speaks to the kids is VERY concerning. ...Stay away -There is a new teacher every week, and those they hire are not qualified. The good teachers left long time ago when they realized this daycare is not a good place for them to work or teach. -Just a place for kids to play and not learn anything. I can go on and on but I think you get the picture.

Kiddie Academy of Woodbridge-North has been such a blessing and life-saver for me and my daughter…read more First- let's talk about the facility. It is brand new and gorgeous. With COVID, it was important to know that everything in there was less than a year old and that their staff is constantly cleaning. Second- let's talk about the staff. EVERY ONE that works there is amazing. They are not just nice and friendly, which is important, but they are inviting. I feel that they truly care about my child and that they care about my needs. Ms Roxanna is always working with my daughter, on reading, which is what I had asked. She is so patient and kind but strict enough to get what I request done. They are also always doing fun and educational stuff, even in the summer. Third- I mentioned they have been a blessing. Christin, the director, has truly been our guardian angel. Even when we first didn't sign up since we decided to enroll her in Kindergarten vs pre-k, she still kept tabs on us, just to see how we were doing. When my daughter's nanny could no longer work, Christin made sure that not only could they watch my child but they were able to pick her up from Kindergarten. No matter how crazy my schedule is, Christin and Kiddie Academy have been and are there for me, completely flexible and willing to work with me and my needs. My child has been to other daycares and I felt that at times, I was just a dollar sign. At Kiddie Academy, I feel like we are friends and family and they do truly care about my child.

Alicia's Bees is without a doubt a safe and loving environment for my child. I highly…read more recommend this place because I know my child is in good hands and I don't have to worry about his care

Alicia's Bee's was an amazing find when we were looking for a day care for our then 7 month old…read moreback in January 2020. Then COVID hit, we really thought about keeping our daughter home. But Alicia and her staff did an amazing job adapting. We never once felt our child was in danger. Our daughter has thrived at this daycare. I wish our son was able to go to Alicia's Bees in his earlier years. They are caring, personable, organized, and clean! Our daughter jumps out of the car every time we drop her off. Not to mention the many accolades the daycare has won. The Spanish emersion part is also an unexpected benefit! Agua was one of our daughter's first words. Highly recommend!!!

Testey's child care has been a blessing to our family. Our 2 year old daughter has been with Testey…read moresince July 2022 and it's been a great experience! Not only is her home center gorgeous, modern, and extremely clean, but my daughter lights up and claps whenever we arrive for drop off. My daughter has flourished both socially and educationally, which is huge as we prepare for PreK. Overall, Testey is honest, cares about the children in her care, and finds ways to balance fun and learning! Also, her energy levels are amazing which we love since our daughter is a playful and spunky toddler :-) I totally understand that leaving our precious little ones in the care of others is beyond nerve wracking, so I'm grateful this has been a wonderful experience for our family!

My Wife and I are very comfortable having our little one at Wonderful Child Care. Starting last…read moreyear year in September of 2022, the responsiveness from Mrs. Testey have been impeccable. They provide activities that help with the growth and development of our child. Very happy with the place and will definitely recommend it m.

I'm not exactly sure where to begin ....but I love this SCHOOL! Love the Director & the staff !…read more We relocated to the area and I did a lot of research on other day care centers. I even reviewed VA reports of each day care center. When I visited the school in person I was armed with my list of questions regarding activities and correction. All of my concerns were addressed by the schools director, Mrs. Marlene.She was able to competently and confidently answer all of my questions. Putting some of my worries at ease. My child has attended this school for the past 7 months and has flourished. Please notice I called it a school because The RISING STARS For Toddlers is not a daycare or playroom. They have outdoor classes, circle time discussions, music and so much more! The curriculum varies on your child's ability. The children have no clue they are learning and to them they are just enjoying toddler life. I receive weekly photos of my child's daily interactions, which I look forward to viewing with my little one. My son is recognizing letters, counting in Spanish, cleaning his area in the short time he has attended the school. As a mother, your concerned about who is caring for you child and how their treated. In most cases you gauge that from how your child behaves upon pick up. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my 24 month old would NOT WANT TO COME HOME!!! I am not kidding!!! He literally has to be coerced out of school. THIS SPEAKS VOLUMES!!! Amazing Staff

We have been incredibly happy with the family atmosphere at Rising Stars. Our child loves going to…read more"school". She loves her teacher and has made many friends. They take education seriously, within 3 weeks she could sing the alphabet song and identify letters on street signs and in books. The many activities and family events are awesome and let us see our kids interacting with each other and the staff. I would recommend Rising Stars to anyone.

A fair and honest review for my few years at Occoquan…read more Old Management: incompetent, many teachers came and left, poor accounting. New Management: fair, very pleasant, try their best to work with my family to resolve a debt due to previous poor management. Observed one really mean teacher, complained, and she was removed about two weeks later. The rest were very pleasant and seemed to enjoy their job. Please, if you ever placed your child in their care, leave fair and honest reviews for the sake of the well being of our children, as it takes a village to raise a child.

I sent my daughter to this daycare during the pandemic uproar. My child was 7 months. Everything…read morewas fine at first. The director was kind . Nex thing i knew Gabrielle came home almost every week scratched up. So i cut her nails and filed them and boom a new scratch. Every time the lady at the door came to check her in , my daughter was burst out in shrilly. She only did that with her. My daughter is so friendly and loving . She will go to anyone. But when that lady came she was petrified. It's was almost like my daughter tried to tell me something. When i told the director how i felt . Like can someone else check her in . I hate to leave her crying and screaming. She said yea and the next day the lady got her . Same thing. So i moved her to the one closer to my house. She told them i was mad at her that must be why i moved her. Or because i didnt let her come to daycare last minute. I paid late. Which was a damn lie. I ask what's the latest i could pay . She said Wednesday so i paid Wednesday. Smh . Plus other kids would hold her . And i was so scared for her . I didnt want her to catch rsv due to big kids holding her. When my sister googled the franchise. The were in the news left and damn right. Kids fights, molestation, and workers hitting kids. Pray over your kids if the go there.

Lake Ridge Kindercare has been our FIRST daycare experience as FIRST-TIME parents, and I am so…read moregrateful we found such a quality experience for our son ("B") only a few minutes from home. We enrolled him in the infant room at 8 months, and I had the common new-mom tears and fears. The Kindercare team immediately put any concerns at ease, from the center directors Patricia and Janelle who so kindly encouraged me through the first morning drop-off, to the team who was so attentive to rocking, feeding, and playing with my son (and even getting him to nap in a new place!) We love the pictures and updates we get on the Kindercare app of what B is up to during the day. B is now in the the toddler classroom and has celebrated milestones like walking, an expanding vocabulary, social skills, and at 18 months is already identifying letters and numbers. But the best review is the giant smile B has when he sees his teachers at drop-off! We unfortunately are moving out of the area soon so we'll have to say good-bye to this wonderful team, but that means there's an open position for anyone looking for a daycare center where their baby will thrive. :) We love you Ms. Dana, Ms. Norma, Ms. Devi, Ms. Kavania, Ms. Marisol, Ms. Julia, Ms. Indrani, and Ms. Karima!

I absolutely love this center! Ms. Patricia and Ms. Brandy are such amazing and hard working women…read more I feel so comfortable having my daughter attend daily. They answer all of my questions and are so patient with me as a first time mom. I couldn't ask for a better center and team working with and caring for my daughter. Every teacher is so friendly and professional! I am so thankful for all that they do!