The Alexander School of Early Learning

About our School:



Tucked away in historic Spotsylvania, we are proud to be accredited by the National Association of Young Children (NAEYC). More than just a daycare center, The Alexander School of Early Learning aims to provide children a stellar early education, leveraging developmentally appropriate practices alongside well-trained and caring childcare professionals. When you walk into our school, you will feel the warmth. Stop by and be welcomed into our family where learning is fun and exciting!

Some of our features include:



- A developmentally appropriate curriculum



- A literacy-enriched learning environment



- Age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds



- Field trips



- Hot, nutritious meals and snacks



- Math, Art, Music Foreign Language



- Secure keypad entry systems



- Spring, Winter and Summer Camps



- Transportation to and from the area public schools

Our Approach: 



Our philosophy is to provide play-based learning experiences that foster intellectual, physical, social and emotional development for each child in our care. Our goal is to provide high-quality learning experiences that challenge each child through innovative lessons and developmentally appropriate practices.

Meet the Owner:



My name is Amanda Short, and I am the owner, operator, and center director for The Alexander School of Early Learning. I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for upwards of 20 years. Starting out with just a high school diploma, I currently hold a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Classroom Behavior Management. Before receiving my M.Ed. in 2015, I received my Associate's in Education in 2003, my bachelor's in Psychology in 2005, and my International Montessori Teaching diploma in 2012. While working on my degrees, I worked for a local premier childcare company holding the following titles: Toddler Room Aide, Lead Toddler Teacher, School Age Camp Coordinator, Evening Supervisor, Site Director, Center Director, Corporate Trainer, School Age Field Director, and a District Director. In May 2018, I stepped down as District Director to pursue my dream of owning and operating my own preschool. In October 2018, The Alexander School's door opened. I often say to my families that I have not only taught children, but I have also taught, mentored, and supported teachers in their own development over the years. I worked hard to obtain National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation for the school and know first-hand what high-quality care and education look like. I support all my teachers in their use of developmentally appropriate practices along with a curriculum that is supported by current research. I have a passion for the Early Childhood Field and am very proud of the work we do. We strive to provide play-based learning experiences daily that foster intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth for each individual child in our care.

Curriculum:



The Alexander School of Early Learning is committed to high-quality early education and is proud to offer the STREAMin3 curriculum model. Developed by a team at the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) at UVA, in partnership with, and funding from E3: Elevate Early Education, the STREAMin3 curriculum is approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).