Following the closure of Gainesville Children’s Center in July, Willowcreek Academy bought the building, converting it into their second day care facility in Northern Virginia.
After getting licensed in just three weeks, Willowcreek Academy’s Executive Director Pamela French, who also oversees the Centreville location, said her staff is more than ready to open Monday, Aug. 26.
But before teachers could prepare for school, Willowcreek had the building renovated.
“We literally removed everything off the wall, re-carpeted, repainted and cleaned out gutters,” said French.
The classrooms were refurbished with “bright, colorful bulletin boards,” new comfortable child-sized furniture, toys, supplies, cribs and even a ballet bar for toddlers learning to walk.
Video monitors were also installed in each classroom, allowing parents to watch their children from the lobby. Likewise, phones were installed in classrooms, inviting parents to talk directly to their children during the school day if necessary.
Outside, landscapers laid down new grass and mulch, and renovated three jungle gyms.
However, French said the real difference between the old and new facility is the quality of the Willowcreek staff.
“Willowcreek is how we think it should be done,” said French, who brings with her a generation of experience in the industry. At one time, she was even running 69 schools, 56 of which were preschool/day care centers.
To ensure the highest quality day care, she has hired teachers qualified beyond the state requirements to staff the facility beyond the state-required ratios.
“We always hire professional teachers,” French said.
In fact, she requires her lead teachers have at least six years' experience, plus two years' experience in their age-range. Teachers must have professional references and possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
At Willowcreek, French said ratios would be as high as one adult for every four toddlers, instead of the state required five to one. However, they do plan on having a large Pre-K class, mostly to prepare students for kindergarten, but even that classroom will be staffed with more than enough assistant teachers.
Classrooms have also been designed with particular age groups in mind, considering space requirements, size and needs of the children and curriculum. For ages two and up, there are dress-up centers, tables for artwork and projects and toys tucked into cubbies. Outside the classroom, there is a mobile library and a fleet of tricycles.
For activity centers, they have manipulative, math-oriented games and toys to stimulate the imagination, but that is not a point of distinction, said French.
“Everyone talks about interest centers,” but from her experience, she said it is the teachers who engage the children.
For after school K-6 students, Willowcreek has educational computer games, active Wii games, homework tables and a jungle gym where they can release their energy.
For Pre-K and younger children, their day is somewhat structured. However, within that structure, there is ample opportunity for children to choose activities that fit their interest and development levels.
In contrast, the days are flexible for parents. They can choose to send their child, infant or toddler to day care two, three or five days a week for full days, half days, or extended days to fit their needs.
“I’m a big believer that if you can be with mom or dad, you should be,” French said.
When children are at day care, French also believes, they will primarily learn through play and social interaction.
“It’s all about a great childhood,” said French. “I haven’t met a child who wasn’t able to learn when they got to kindergarten."
With that in mind, the curriculum is intended to be a lot of fun and memorable for children.
“First we’re going to make sure they’re happy, safe, secure, get messy, play and meet friends,” French said.
Center Director Leigh Bibb is excited to lead Gainesville’s Willowcreek team.
“I believe in the philosophy of the commitment to the integrity and quality of education for young children, and the staff members are great teachers,” Bibb said.
Gainesville’s Willowcreek Academy will have its first open-house Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a petting zoo, bounce house and Wolf Trap performers Cody & B.J. playing live.
The center currently has open enrollment and begins its session this Monday.
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