My family has recently joined the Franconia KinderCare location in Alexandria, VA. We have had such a wonderful experience thus far; I felt the need to share some details with you. First, my son C, had some complications at birth leading to a delay in gross motor skills, especially in walking. Previously, C was enrolled in a program where we was being treated differently and held-back due to his delay. When I discovered this news about his classroom, I immediately went on a search to find a new school for C. This is when I found Ms. Stefanie, Ms. Cassandra, and their team at Franconia KinderCare.I first called Ms. Stefanie to ask about the program and how her teachers handle students with IFSPs. Ms. Stefanie answered all my questions and even allowed me to cry my frustrations with the previous school. I went in for a tour and immediately saw a difference in the school. Ms. Stefanie showed me the outdoor area where C could climb and use push toys to assist in walking. In addition, the classroom was clearly set-up to help C move from one place to another. The day after the tour, I called Ms. Stefanie and enrolled my 15-month-old son, C.When C started at Franconia KinderCare, he was 15-months-old and not walking. He was placed in the infant room to begin his school year. When I met the teachers, they were aware of C delay and were ready to help him walk. In addition, I informed the staff that I would sign incident reports every day if needed; I wanted C to have the same opportunities as all the students. From day one, the teachers worked with C to walk around the classroom and outdoors and to help implement his physical therapy IFSP goals. C was given every opportunity as the rest of the students and I did happily sign many incident reports!Finally, at the end of October, C took a few independent steps. C was ready to walk and his teachers were ready. C was then moved to the toddler room at 16-months in November where he has flourished. C is now walking everywhere and even trying to run!The best part of my whole experience with Franconia KinderCare is the staff. The best part of my story was the Thanksgiving celebration. I arrived at C school early; I didn’t want to miss his Thanksgiving show. Since I was early, I hid in the front foyer so he would not see me and want to leave his class. So, I waited for a few minutes and then heard his class walk down the hall. C was in the middle of the pack and he was walking perfectly. Then I heard his teachers cheering him on, “Go, C!” and “You got this, C!” Next, I saw other teachers coming to their doorways to help cheer C on. Soon, numerous staff members and other students were cheering my son on. C was smiling, laughing, and walking down the hallway. I was so happy standing in that foyer that I cried. The teachers did not know I was there, they simply cheered for my son out of the kindness of their hearts and the passion for their professions.I just wanted to shed a light on some of the great work and the great staff at Franconia KinderCare. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking such wonderful care of my child and my family. We will be a Franconia KinderCare family for as long as possible.

The staff at the Grovedale/Franconia Kindercare center have gone above and beyond in helping my children both transition to a new center and also to get adjusted to new life events. Mr. Mike, Ms. Kim, and Mr. Anthony have been mentioned by name repeatedly by my kindergartner for making her feel comforted during this very new and overwhelming time in her life (new to elementary school, new to the aftercare program, new schedules, etc). They’ve been excellent in communicating with me updates regarding her adjustment as well as helped her with transition support/ideas. My three-year-old’s teachers, Ms. Amber and Ms. Maalika, have been so incredibly kind and supportive to a child who definitely has a more “determined” personality. Since switching to this program, we have seen such a huge difference in his level of happiness both in and out of care. The director and assistant director, Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Cassandra, have always been open and available for questions and calls and have always made sure to offer warm words either at greetings or departures. All of the staff we have interacted with (Ms. Freddie, Ms. Lee Ann, all of the other teachers who do workshops or are floaters), have always been professional and very kind with our family and it’s been so appreciated.

My 7 year old boy and my 6 year old girl have been at KinderCare since they were 2 months old til now, and this past August our new 6 month old princess Menna has joined KinderCare. I think I don't have to say anything about our center. Everybody is kind and can tell if I wasn't happy and full of trust. I would like to thank everybody at KinderCare for the hard work and the good care. Looking forward for many more years of joy.