Tots N Us Children's Academy, 3711 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA 22030
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How Children Learn Here

It Starts with a Child Stacking Blocks

Ask any Tots N Us teacher what curriculum means here, and they won't start with a textbook — they'll start with a child stacking blocks, deciding for the third time how tall is too tall, and learning something about physics, patience, and pride, all before snack time.

That's the difference between a curriculum on paper and a curriculum in action. We don't teach subjects. We teach children — and we let their curiosity lead the way.

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Children exploring and learning through play at Tots N Us Academy shape shape
Our Philosophy

Safety, Health, Learning, and Laughter

Our philosophy, in one sentence: Safety, health, learning, and laughter — in a space built specifically for children to feel secure enough to explore.

We believe children learn best when they feel safe. Not just physically safe — though that's non-negotiable — but emotionally safe enough to try, fail, try again, and surprise themselves. Every classroom is designed to invite that kind of confident exploration.

Safety icon Safety
Health icon Health
Learning icon Learning
Laughter icon Laughter
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How We Actually Teach

Four Goals, One Whole Child

Our curriculum framework develops four things at once, built through daily experiences in Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Studies, and the Arts.

Social / Emotional

Building empathy, self-regulation, and healthy relationships through guided social interaction and emotional coaching.

Physical

Gross and fine motor development through outdoor play, movement activities, and hands-on sensory experiences.

Cognitive

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and early STEM concepts through exploration, questioning, and discovery.

Language

Vocabulary, communication, and early literacy through storytelling, conversation, and expressive language play.

Built Into Every Day

Literacy
Mathematics
Science
Engineering
Technology
Social Studies
The Arts
Self-Directed Play
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Child artwork and creative projects at Tots N Us shape
How We Track Progress

Without Turning Childhood Into a Spreadsheet

We treat assessment as an ongoing story, not a single test. Teachers observe and note your child's growth over months — collecting artwork, photos, and behavior notes against our four curriculum goals.

Twice a year, in February and October, we sit down with you at a parent-teacher meeting to walk through what we've seen, answer your questions, and plan together for the months ahead.

Ongoing Observation Daily notes and photos that capture real moments, not just checkboxes.
Bi-Annual Conferences Dedicated one-on-one meetings in February and October to review growth.
Real Evidence Artwork, photos, and written anecdotes that show your child's journey.

See What Your Child's Day
Actually Looks Like

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icon Play to Learn
icon Explore with Confidence
icon Grow with Joy