What ages does Frog Pond serve?

Frog Pond serves children ages 16 months through 5 years, 11 months. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

What are your child-to-teacher ratios?

Virginia licensing ratios are 1 teacher for every 5 children ages 16–24 months, 1:8 for two-year-olds, and 1:10 for children ages 3–5. Mixed-age groups follow the ratio required for the youngest child. Frog Pond strives to provide staffing above the minimum whenever possible.

How are children placed in classrooms?

Placement considers age, development, social-emotional readiness, classroom availability, and the needs of the group. Our communities include Tadpoles, Frogs, and Dragonflies.

How much time do children spend outside?

Nature is part of every day. Children use our approximately two-acre outdoor classroom for play, science, gardening, art, sensory exploration, movement, and small-group nature walks. The daily rhythm changes with children’s needs, activities, and weather conditions.

Do children go outside in rain, heat, or cold?

Children experience many kinds of weather when conditions are safe and they have appropriate clothing. We follow weather advisories, air-quality guidance, wind chill, heat index, and “feels like” conditions. Classes move indoors for unsafe conditions and take indoor breaks to cool down, warm up, rest, or regroup.

Does my child need to be potty trained?

No. We support diapering and potty learning in partnership with families. Younger children use indoor diapering and restroom spaces. Children age 3 and older also have access to outdoor potty stations and the heated and air-conditioned PortaLisa restroom while learning outdoors.

Are meals and snacks provided?

Yes. Frog Pond provides a morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack, including age-appropriate milk. Vegetarian options are available. Teachers sit with children and support calm, social mealtimes.

What schedules are available?

We offer full-time five-day, four-day, and three-day enrollment. All options are full-day schedules; we do not offer part-day or half-day enrollment. Part-time days must remain consistent each week and spaces are limited.

What is the rest-time schedule?

Rest and quiet time is generally 1:00–3:00 PM. Younger children begin resting at 1:00, while older children may begin closer to 1:30. To protect the classroom routine, pickups are not scheduled during this window.

How does Frog Pond support behavior and social-emotional development?

Our program is guided by Conscious Discipline. Teachers begin with safety and connection, recognize that behavior is communication, and help children practice emotional awareness, calming strategies, communication, boundaries, problem-solving, and safe choices.

How will teachers communicate with our family?

Families receive updates through Brightwheel, classroom messages, incident documentation when needed, conferences, and direct conversations. Our goal is a respectful partnership focused on each child’s safety, development, and success.

What should my child bring?

Please send three complete changes of clothing, closed-toe outdoor shoes, indoor shoes, and a properly fitted bike helmet. Water shoes and a towel are needed on water-play days. Apply sunscreen and insect repellent before arrival and label all belongings.

How do we begin enrollment?

Start by scheduling a tour and deciding whether Frog Pond is a good fit. Then submit the online application and $200 non-refundable application fee. Once a schedule and start date are confirmed, complete all enrollment and health forms at least two weeks before the first day and schedule an orientation visit.