When The Learning Experience: Academy of Early Education offered Megan Barefoot the position of site director at its new center at 10225 Carnoch Way in Bristow, she jumped at the opportunity. The early childhood educator grew up in Bristow and is raising her family there. She is excited to nurture and grow the center as she did for the Manassas location.
The Learning Experience is a licensed, early learning center that cares for children ages six weeks through five years. Families choose days and times that fit their schedules; this includes early morning and late evening hours. The school also hosts summer camps and after-school sessions.
The school is located off Sudley Manor Drive near Vint Hill Road. It's a brand-new building with large rooms, a kitchen for making hot meals, two fenced-in playgrounds, and a clean and organized feel. Today, it is just it is a building, soon it will be a school.
Barefoot believes TLE has everything parents want in a preschool or daycare. It is a safe space with a proven curriculum, and it is run by caring, well-trained professionals. Soon it will be a place where children and parents can meet life-long friends.
The Learning Experience difference is its comprehensive L.E.A.P. curriculum, based on exploration and imaginative play. Students develop math, reading, phonics and writing skills while being engaged and entertained, sometimes by TLE characters. All lead teachers are L.E.A.P. trained, so parents know TLE’s standards are consistent.
L.E.A.P. creates a playful culture that permeates the experience. When children walk through the doors, they are greeted by cheerful TLE characters, such as Bubbles the Elephant. Walking down the hall, it is clear the facility is designed to meet the needs of each age group.
The infant nursery is equipped with cribs, bright mats and sensory toys. Crawlers explore interactive play areas. Teachers incorporate sign language and Spanish with English as babies learn to speak.
In another room, toddlers discover their world by grabbing toys, and soft books off low shelves. TLE character puppets teach letters, numbers and polite behavior.
In a large playroom, children participate in organized physical activities and independent imaginative play. They can set up a farmer’s market or perform a play. Barefoot explains it is good for both imagination and gross motor skills.
“They stretch, do yoga. This is always everyone’s favorite room,” she said.
In the next room, teachers help 3-year-olds transition to the preschool experience by assisting with potty training and steering children toward independence.
For a preschooler, the school is fun, educational, social and preparatory.
A typical day for a preschooler includes free play centers, circle time, and playground time. Teachers incorporate learning numbers, reading, writing, and enrichment activities! Enrichment includes music, engineering, coding, soccer and yoga at no extra cost.
“Every child gets to do it,” Barefoot said, explaining, if they believe it is good for the children, they will provide it for everyone.
The PreK experience is comprehensive, and most students graduate recognizing sight words and able to read simple books. They are well prepared for kindergarten educationally, socially and emotionally.
Barefoot highly recommends the TLE as she is not only the center’s director but also a mom of two of its students. She will be looking out for the best interest of her children and yours!
The Bristow Learning Center invites everyone to their open houses, on Sunday, May 19, 1-3 p.m. and Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Look for them at Nokesville Day on Saturday, May 18.
To schedule a tour or learn more about The Learning Experience, visit its Bristow website, email Bristow@tlechildcare.com or call the school at 571-248-6424. They also offer summer camps and after and before-school care for children up to age 12.
Look for The Learning Experience’s Bubbles the Elephant around town!
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