https://www.frogpondkids.org/fall-festival daily 0.75 2020-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340992703-PGWHO2NYQCSED6C3R3RF/adults+pumpkin+painting.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340992844-LEZTUTMYCSWCK2NH5VK4/Anthony+with+drum.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340992769-AIOB0M4DBME41PHU9IN9/Awatif+cooking.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340992781-8ZQ381CGYORAXK1BY7DR/baby+goats+feeding.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340992672-LCR10YCY37N4O3GFASRO/cooking+bread.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340992972-9W66AUXUSGS7Q18AXICQ/cooking+fires.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340994346-F9TTNRRTA24N2KW4TZBC/donor+board+2.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340994575-1LJ95UA8NTS7IVETVQSP/donor+board.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340994763-DABR5VUUMLE91WYZRVHR/drum+circle.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340994310-R2LP8IUCY01LNUM5NYJE/food+table.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340994364-5X00LLIWOEXDBQNSLKUM/goat.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340994596-0ID86UUPUBCUPQ0LOR6Z/henna+drawing.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340995314-GGJSNBKY3SEU4XXMR2RL/henna+hand.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340995340-8E8KM8EIXXAYK0AUPOHF/henna+on+hand.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340995396-4L086BK45J3071XPFLY5/Herb%2C+Gail%2C+Flaco.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340996020-9EWRQVD82P1P0LZ1HI3D/making+bread.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340996027-KK2IJCP0M2WFF0KN0WS9/painted+pumpkins.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340996095-83LGCCOJ8B3UU2M0XTN9/Rob_Tire_Keeper-.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340997233-1L2SZ5NJ5KLPJ4UJEG1W/students+with+tires.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340997000-2D65DHTFM8ZJR4Q0AQHW/tire+roll.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609340997306-CNN4F5B1XXVL7QURLUIK/year+of+goat.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609354680434-JUOFY9XSZBUSKPH0HCLC/baby+goats+4.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609354679331-W0CI4LRATZFGDUSHVEOC/Pam+and+Gail+certificate.jpg Fall Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609281238929-CYC9R08AHC9ZL9RWYTS4/drum%2Bcircle%2B1.jpg Fall Festival - Fall Festival Fall Festival is our Annual family-friendly gathering that offers entertainment, light food and drinks along with arts, crafts, special guests, and other kid-friendly activities. Food includes culinary delights from the homelands of our multicultural staff – including bread made on an outdoor stove made of stones! Kids of all ages enjoy facing painting, natural (temporary) henna tattoos, pumpkin decorating, tire rolling, and more. All enjoy our drum circle, story-telling, and tours of the property and grounds. Families can obtain some limited-edition “swag” while they reconnect with friends from over the years on this beautiful Fall day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609339886535-KJL34JST5G18U4WKZ94W/book+cover.jpg Fall Festival - Two Bees or Not Two Bees The beauty of Fall Festival is captured in Frog Pond’s folklore “Two Bees or Not Two Bees.” This book is narrated and seen through the eyes of two yellowjackets visiting Fall Festival. Through it, you can explore the exceptional world that is Frog Pond. This full color, unique children’s book captures the vibrant, realistic watercolor photos by Cara Frey and the kid-friendly and captivating story-telling of Gail Dickert and Kim Frey. All proceeds from Two Bees or Not Two Bees are directed to Frog Pond Early Learning Center. https://www.frogpondkids.org/faqs daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://www.frogpondkids.org/home daily 1.0 2025-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1608039837445-9RZNGP497VOT9LB3QXTP/Photo%2BSep%2B21%252C%2B11%2B16%2B54%2BAM.jpg Home Frog Pond is a one-of-a-kind nature program located on two acres in the middle of the urban enclave that is Alexandria, VA. It is an inclusive program that teaches and nurtures children, families, and the world, with nature-based, science-rich curriculum. world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1608040118550-I5W9TPJK3BEGX7VZB416/Photo%2BSep%2B16%252C%2B10%2B49%2B28%2BAM.jpg Home Frog Pond offers a joyful and developmentally appropriate learning environment in an atmosphere of consistent, affectionate care. We focus on creating socially and emotionally intelligent learning environments, character development, outdoor play, and learning about nature in a holistic, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Our center promotes growth in all aspects of each young person’s development, and we welcome employees, children, and families of all races, religions, and creeds. https://www.frogpondkids.org/enviornment daily 0.75 2021-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1615322821027-FFJMS94U3UGRF85ALF2L/IMG_4176.jpg Environment - What We Do We use environmentally friendly laundry detergent, dish soap, and allow no harsh chemical compounds into the building. We sanitize according to health department standards with a bleach solution or ammonia solution. No other cleaning compounds enter the building without special permission. We buy in bulk whenever possible to reduce packaging pollution. Our paper goods are made of unbleached, recycled material whenever possible, and our recyclables are hauled to the recycling station weekly. We do purchase healthy and environmentally responsible products. Since the production of one burger uses water resources equivalent to taking 17 showers and beef contains concentrations of antibiotics, hormones, etc., we contract with Good Food Company that uses beef sparingly to provide nutritious, environmentally friendly meals for our children. We purchase organic milk and natural or organic cereal and crackers for the children. Our children sow clover seeds that replace nitrogen in the earth. We maintain a compost pile that creates rich soil from our animal’s straw bedding and other organic material. We cherish our chickens, who keep the bugs relatively bug free and fertilize the ground while on duty! We use plantings approved by the Huntley Meadows Park advisers and do not pose a threat to indigenous species. We grow a 100% organic herb garden. We use sand on our wooden stairs and deck in snow, and salt is used sparingly when icing is a problem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609274490812-AJC2NR9BHRDUKWDPLODO/Child+and+flowers.jpg Environment - What We Do NOT Do We do not purchase food from major brands that refuse to label which of their foods have been genetically modified. We do not support companies that highly refine and package products that contain pesticides, hormones, herbicides, artificial colors, and flavors. We do not support businesses such as cigarette companies that prey on children with their marketing. We do not have vending machines. We do not consume or display corporate colas or junk food in front of the children, and smoking is banned from the grounds. We do not use pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers to maintain the grounds. We do not use irrigation systems other than “Sprinkler Days.” We don’t buy the fast-melt products with all the toxic warnings on the package. We realize that our runoff goes directly into the wetlands we love so much. https://www.frogpondkids.org/philosophy daily 0.75 2021-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1611324707185-FF3UQVSRDJBQH0LFTY64/IMG_3674.jpg Philosophy - Discipline, Respect, and Caring: Your School Family We emphasize the character development and social/emotional intelligence of each child. Through Dr. Becky Bailey’s Positive Discipline Philosophy, we teach gentleness, responsibility, and caring for others. Children learn problem-solving skills and responsibility by caring for our barnyard animals and caring for each other. Combined with Bev Bos’ philosophy on play, Frog Pond integrates a model that focuses on nurturing the whole child by being holistically minded as educators and families. We teach responsibility and caring through the weekly job charts, which the children choose each week. This is common in our older class (Frogs/Dragonflies). Examples of job chart jobs are Safe Keeper, Teacher Helper, Line leader and caboose, gardening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609268461852-IYLB5LOJL5X9M536LBJV/climb%2Bover%2Btree.jpg Philosophy - Nature At Frog Pond, children engage deeply with the natural world in their daily activities. We provide an outdoor environment where children connect daily with the natural world. We are located on two acres that are home to goats and chickens and native flora and fauna. We take weekly walks with the children to the adjoining wildlife park and tend our organic garden and habitat. The curriculum that guides our natural perspectives is outlined by our Founder and supported by the principles in Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609269804285-Z7HDJ7WAP2QEUMOX95AS/culture%2Bshare.jpg Philosophy - Inclusiveness In addition, all play items and books are chosen to include images of all races, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and an enlarged family concept. That may include but is not limited to children living with grandparents, single parents, and extended family. Our holiday celebrations are based on the natural seasonal changes and do not include or exclude particular religions. Winter Solstice and Grandmother Oak Tree Party celebrations are intentionally inclusive of all families. We are the only early learning center in Northern Virginia that welcomes and includes children with special needs as part of our mission. We are wheelchair/walker accessible. https://www.frogpondkids.org/staff daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1b8ac051-bb02-4d19-9d9f-2f98f9b9cde1/Picture7.jpg Staff - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/5c4b05af-8b54-4baf-8002-812edbd17af5/Koko+photo.jpg Staff - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/81f50707-8895-44b5-a38c-afa451b520fc/Picture3.jpg Staff - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/95c63664-55a1-4b4e-9f21-faf4000d6166/IMG_4072.png Staff - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.frogpondkids.org/about daily 0.75 2020-12-28 https://www.frogpondkids.org/make-a-donation daily 0.75 2020-12-29 https://www.frogpondkids.org/at-a-glance daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609339424252-6J9Z4R9E4L3JOU0B3JSH/toad+tunnel.jpg At a Glance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609354609419-6TTNJ253A9Q1W1JGVQ1S/Butterfly+Pam.jpg At a Glance - Our Roots The non-profit corporation, Mother Nurture Company, under which Frog Pond operates, was founded in 1998 by Pam Tinker, a physical therapist and experienced health care manager. As part of her lifelong mission in the community to advocate for people who have disabilities, she founded this early learning center and designed it to be wheelchair and walker accessible. Her deep commitment to respecting and caring for Mother Earth prompted the corporate name, “Mother Nurture.” The name has multiple layers of meaning since the school gives children and families the nurturing as would be typical of a loving parent. It sustains mothers and fathers by providing high-quality child care for an extended day that allows parents to work with the confidence that their children’s lives are being enriched and nurtured. https://www.frogpondkids.org/enrollment daily 0.75 2025-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609276615694-NLIFEKR7ZL65YTMPZ918/Hanging+upside+down.jpg Application & Enrollment - Application & Enrollment If you’re interested in enrolling your child, you are welcome to complete and submit an application during your tour, or you can download the 2025-2026 student application in advance. A non-refundable application fee of $200 must be submitted with the application to secure a spot on our waiting list. Once your enrollment is confirmed and a start date has been determined, you’ll be invited to sign up for Brightwheel through the current families section of our website, where you can download and complete the enrollment packet. All forms, including medical and emergency forms, must be completed and returned at least two weeks before your child’s first day. We’re happy to guide you through the process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609277089308-9F51S3QRL59679IULBSW/Low+angle+student+with+sky.jpg Application & Enrollment https://www.frogpondkids.org/tuition daily 0.75 2025-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609279523753-WI6GEA69RSM698WALV77/Frida%252Band%252BGizmo.jpg Tuition - Financial Assistance Families can request an application for financial assistance towards tuition costs (after submitting their student application). Partial bartering arrangements are also considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Director about our policies and practices towards financial inclusion and flexibility that may exist in the year you seek to enroll. https://www.frogpondkids.org/tour daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://www.frogpondkids.org/work-at-frog-pond daily 0.75 2024-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609339273496-BCSJTHE10P6EEHDJRZJD/Muddy%2Bteacher.jpg Jobs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609338336669-4POPYUVBYGJQIVI3RJNE/Frogs+on+a+tree.jpg Jobs See below for current job openings. To apply send your coverletter, resume, and completed application to the school via email at info@FrogPondKids.org. https://www.frogpondkids.org/curriculum daily 0.75 2021-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609271485267-RAJC6915IK8MTT6Z4CLM/tadpoles%2Band%2Bteacher%2Bon%2Ba%2Blog.jpg Curriculum - Science At Frog Pond Early Learning Center, we are committed to teaching children to love the earth and its creatures, to understand their connection to the web of life, and their responsibility for helping to take care of the earth. We believe that children learn best by experiencing and exploring, following their interests. We want to encourage and direct their natural curiosity. We also incorporate opportunities to practice emergent science and math skills as well as language development and physical and social skills in the lessons. How does this translate into “lessons” for 2 and 3 and 4 year-olds? First, we look at bugs, snakes, worms, and toads with the same wonder, eagerness, and care with which we would examine a beautiful flower or butterfly. We teach that all creatures deserve respect and should be handled gently. When we are with the children, we help them notice the details around them, patterns, and cycles of change. We ask questions and solicit questions from them. We may or may not answer the questions. The process of asking is important, and sometimes it is better for them to find their own answers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1611324339396-PPH29O3PUWDZS2C4I4PD/grandmother%2Btree%2Bhug.jpg Curriculum - Hands-On Hands-on activities and experiments let the children explore with all their senses, with concrete experiences, repetition, and a touch of magic. Simple paint mixing is a classic experiment. Mixing red and yellow always makes orange, no matter how often we try it. If we add blue, something different happens. What if we look through red, yellow, and blue cellophane? From there, it is just a step to chasing rainbows in the sprinkler on a sunny day. Pulling apart a dead log, feeling the wood crumble into soil. Smelling the damp, earthy smell and discovering the amazing menagerie of “decomposers” that live there (centipedes, slugs, grubs, ants, spiders, shiny black beetles, and once, a shrew!) makes the abstract concept of “life in a dead tree” real. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609272344281-3J4RELSHUMVUG5UUU8BK/Mud+sculpture.jpg Curriculum - Imagination I like to use imagination and pretend play to teach some concepts. With music and tulle scarves, we can pretend to be water droplets and experience the water cycle—water flow, evaporation, clouds gathering, and rainfall. The rainstorm is very exciting! Walking in the rain and puddle jumping are concrete experiences that help the children to understand the pretend game. With 3-5 year-olds, we have “made clouds” by applying ice to a jar of hot water and watching the water vapor condense on the sides. We may touch the hot water and the ice block with a younger group to experience hot and cold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609272531986-4EN6AQ8NTX9KD1N7Z0BU/goats%2Blooking%2Bat%2Bstudents.jpg Curriculum - Our Pets Our pets are important science teachers. The goats, chickens, lizards, and hermit crabs feel, smell, sound, and act differently from people. Still, they need food, water, shelter, and space like all animals. They even poop, just like us. Children learn to be gentle rather than rough with the animals, or brave and assertive rather than fearful, depending on their personalities. We have learned some hard lessons about predators and prey, life and death from our pet tragedies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609272848657-83RCYNTSBZ3JNCS4289S/digging%2Bin%2Bgarden.jpg Curriculum - At Frog Pond, we are not merely learning science. We are doing science, with all our senses, with our minds, our imaginations, and our hearts. It’s lots of fun. https://www.frogpondkids.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd2493d10ae047a0b797769/1609344455215-95ZK997J191DSZ82NSBA/Tadpole+walking+trail.jpg Contact