Questions?
We Have Answers.
Here are the things families ask us most. Don’t see yours? Reach out, we’re happy to help.
Program FAQs
What is Spanish immersion?
In our Spanish immersion program, teachers interact with children entirely in Spanish throughout the entire school day. Some children begin with little to no prior Spanish exposure, and that is perfectly fine. Research shows that children are capable of distinguishing between languages from a very early age, and that the earlier the exposure, the more likely a child is to become truly bilingual. The window is open right now.
Do the teachers speak English to the children?
Our program is full immersion. All classroom interactions happen entirely in Spanish. All communication with parents, including pickup, dropoff, and updates, happens in English or Spanish, your choice.
How do children become bilingual?
The more children hear Spanish, the faster they absorb it. Young children unconsciously process language in order to make meaning of sounds, understanding comes before speaking. Many factors contribute to each child’s progress, including their language background, amount of exposure, and individual personality. We meet every child where they are.
What are the benefits of becoming bilingual?
The research is compelling:
- Stronger concentration and greater ability to work through distractions
- Higher performance on tasks involving multi-tasking, creative thinking, and problem-solving
- Greater adaptability to new environments and new people
- Stronger ties to family, culture, and community
- Expanded future opportunities — personally and professionally
What does a typical day look like?
Every day includes circle time, hands-on exploration, creative expression, outdoor time, and shared routines — all in Spanish. Every activity is intentionally designed to build language, cognition, and social-emotional skills at the same time.
Is your curriculum state-approved?
Yes. Spanish Lab and Learning Center is licensed by the State of Virginia and our curriculum is state-approved, grounded in evidence-based research on early childhood development.
What is your classroom ratio?
Our classroom ratios meet all Virginia state licensure requirements for childcare centers.
- Ages 2.5: 2 adults / 12 children
- Pre-K 3: 2 adults / 15 children
- Pre-K 4: 3 adults / 25 children
Enrollment FAQs
What ages do you accept?
We enroll children from 2.5 years old through age 5 for our preschool academic year and summer programs. Children must be potty-trained prior to their start date. We also hold school-aged summer camps for ages 6 to 10.
When can we enroll?
We offer open enrollment, there are no specific application seasons. Spaces fill on a rolling basis, so we recommend reaching out as soon as you begin considering us.
Is there an enrollment fee or deposit?
Yes, there is a $100 non refundable enrollment fee, and no deposit is required.
Do you accept Child Care Subsidy?
Yes. We are a Child Care Subsidy vendor. Learn about financial assistance.
Health & Safety FAQs
What is your health policy?
We ask that children stay home when they are unwell and return only when they are feeling better and no longer contagious. Specifically:
- Children must be 24 hours free of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea before returning
- Fever is defined as 100.4°F or above
- All rashes must be evaluated by a doctor before a child returns
- Bacterial pink eye requires that a child be on prescribed drops with no discharge before returning
- Families must notify the center of any illness as soon as possible
Do you have a nut-free policy?
Coming soon – contact us if you have immediate questions.
How are allergies handled?
Coming soon – contact us if you have immediate questions.
Daily Logistics FAQs
How are lunch and snack handled?
Families pack lunch and snacks for their child each day. Please include an ice pack for any perishables as we cannot refrigerate lunches or snacks. We advocate for no candy.
Is there a rest time?
Yes, there is rest time each day. Please see our typical daily schedule for more information.
What should my child bring on their first day?
We recommend having the following ready before your child’s first day:
- All required enrollment forms (completed)
- Two full changes of clothes, including extra underwear
- A water bottle
- Lunch and snack
- Comfortable shoes for active play
- A smock or old shirt for painting and messy activities
- In winter: hat and gloves
- In summer: sunscreen and a hat
Environmental FAQs
What is your classroom like?
Our classroom is warm, minimalistic, and intentionally designed — natural materials, tidy spaces, and accessible materials that invite children to explore independently. We believe a prepared environment is one of the most powerful tools in early childhood education.
Do children spend time outdoors?
Every day. Outdoor play and physical activity are part of our daily rhythm — not a reward, but an essential part of healthy development.
How do you handle big emotions and challenging behavior?
Self-regulation is at the heart of everything we do. We have thoughtful systems designed to help children move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling ready — to learn, to connect, and to try something new.
We teach children that their feelings are not “bad” and that they can learn what to do with them.
Community FAQs
Do you hold family events?
Yes — community is one of our core values. Each fall we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an art gallery at the center where families share their cultures and traditions. In the spring, our May picnic brings together children, parents, and extended families for a celebration of the whole year.
Who is this program for?
We welcome Spanish-speaking families who want their children to grow and deepen their home language, and non-Spanish speaking families ready to give their child a bilingual head start. Every family belongs here.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to answer all of them. Reach out anytime.