Church
Philosophy
Children are Divine Blessings
We believe children are divine blessings. And we don’t just talk about our faith—we live it. Our teachers and staff love kids the way Jesus does. From the second you walk through our doors, you will feel the love and authenticity that sets us apart.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the LORD...”
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus states, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
With our Childcare being planned and established as our foremost ministry soon after our church began, our church loves children too. We believe ‘training up a child in the way they should go’ (Proverbs 22:6) is one of our God-given gifts as a community. We are generations impacting generations—Christ is in our classrooms, our community, and our homes.
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We value and teach to the whole child
At Vine & Branches, we take an individualized whole child approach, based on each child’s unique needs and development stage. Whether they’ve been in school before, or are just joining this type of environment, we want to ensure success on all levels of their development.
Cognitive
Our teachers enjoy one-on-one learning and play time with each child, and take into account individual readiness and learning styles, giving each child the ability to grow and thrive into who God made them to be!
At ages 2 and younger, students learn more through play and hands-on approaches, and from ages 3 and up we really hone in on teaching cognitive skills based on specific development stages. By ensuring our academics are grounded in the Virginia Standards of Learning, we guarantee students are set up for success in their Kindergarten years and beyond.
You can read multiple testimonials from parents, praising their child’s kinder-readiness because of Vine & Branches!
Social
Our positive, peaceful and calm environment, as well as our uniquely smaller size, allows our staff to focus on positive social interactions between children.
We know that when children are guided and encouraged positively with age-appropriate expectations in their peer-to-peer relationships, learning comes easier and becomes more fun, too.
Emotional
Feelings are important, and learning how to listen to them and manage them makes us better humans. We help children proactively learn about their feelings, such as how to process and manage them through play and our curriculum. When a child has a strong social-emotional foundation, they are more likely to succeed academically as they grow.
Physical
From our toddler playground to our large outdoor play space to our tricycle lot, we allow kids big spaces to play and develop those important gross motor skills such as climbing, balance, jumping, running etc. Outdoor soft padding helps our younger children especially with their gross motor skills, as they are gaining confidence in walking, playing, running, climbing etc. On inclement weather days, children enjoy our large indoor multi-purpose spaces.
In the classroom, we bring in various learning aids and age-appropriate toys to help foster hand-eye coordination and build fine and gross motor skills. Children enjoy sensory learning through art, games, matching, pretend-play, science stations, and more.
Spiritual
At Vine & Branches, we are rooted and growing in Christ every day. We utilize both an educational and faith-based curriculum in tandem. Our teachers, kids and our Pastor look forward to weekly chapel each Wednesday, where children worship the Lord, receive His blessings, and learn a new Bible lesson applicable to their lives. Children engage in prayer together before meals, and teachers weave a Bible story and lesson into each week.
Pastor Chris loves spending time with the children, and frequently pops into classrooms to say hello and read a Bible story. Pastoral support is available every day in our classrooms, and he is also here to support our families. Learn more about counseling at Vine & Branches.
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We prioritize communication and family partnership
Vine & Branches partners with parents every step of the way, creating a Christ-centered community that reinforces the values held dear at home.
Brightwheel, our fantastic app for Childcare families, provides an easily accessible way to receive photos, daily communication, and updates from your child’s teacher. You can expect anywhere from 3-6 photos of your child throughout the day, and responses from your child’s teacher directly. Keep in mind that because we are teaching and spending important time with your children, typically responses won’t be immediate, though you will be communicated with in a timely manner. You’ll also receive monthly newsletters regarding events, fundraisers and spiritual growth opportunities, as well as a monthly newsletter from our Director. We keep our families in the loop!
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Our staff are valued experts in the field of Early Childhood Education
The teachers at Vine & Branches don’t just educate—they disciple, model, and guide with wisdom and kindness.
We place a high priority on staff collaboration and professional development opportunities, to ensure they receive the training and encouragement needed to remain experts in their chosen field.
We are grateful for our staff and the commitment and love they pour into Vine & Branches Childcare and the children here on a daily basis.
Looking for a fulfilling career, teaching the next generation? Fill out our application and we will get back to you should we have opportunities available.
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We honor transitions and growth
As children grow, transitions are inevitable. We provide support, care and love as we help guide children from one phase to the next, gently.
Infants and Gentle Intros
Are you bringing in your baby for the first time? We understand this is a big transition and we work with each family and baby's schedules and needs as they change significantly throughout the first year of life.
Discovery Day
For Toddlers on up beginning their journey with Vine & Branches, we offer a Discovery day! Your child can join in the classroom they will be in for two hours, while parents stay to observe their child in the classroom, too. A wonderful chance to get to know the teacher and connect with the students, Discovery days are a unique opportunity for parents and children to see what it’s really like at Vine & Branches.
Moving up
Another big transition occurs when infants move up to a toddler room, or anytime a child moves up to the next class. We ensure parents know how to prepare with a letter from your child’s teacher with each transition, detailing out what you need to know and what to expect.
Back to School Night
Each year, Vine & branches hosts a Back to School night, where children and families can meet their new teacher, see their classroom, and meet new friends. We frequently host Open Houses, also, for new families to see what Vine & Branches Childcare is all about.
The First Week of School
Your child’s first week of school at Vine & Branches every year is a big deal! We make it an ‘all about me’ week, where children and teachers can learn about one another. Children bring in a photo of their family, and create an ‘all about me’ poster to share in class.
Transition out to the world
Graduation from Vine & Branches is an exciting way to celebrate all that God has done and will do in your child’s life as they transition out to Kindergarden! While donning caps and gowns, children will sing a few songs for their family, walk across the ‘stage’ and receive a diploma, and even receive Superlatives award certificates for things such as best runner, who is most likely to make you laugh, etc. Kids receive words of encouragement from the director and teachers, enjoy treats and decorations, and celebrate their milestone.
Big Kid Status
When your child graduates Pre-K at Vine & Branches, they are welcome back for our K-5th After School Program, Summer Camp and VBS!
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Our attitude is joyful, loving, and kind to all
We believe all people have been created in the image of Christ, and all are worthy of love and kindness.
We celebrate Jesus’ redemption in our own lives and with joy show Him to the world!
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Our campus is safe & secure
Vine & Branches is located on a beautiful 9-acre property with views of Aldie and Chantilly. Our spacious playgrounds and play areas are fenced in for safety, and children enjoy guided nature walks and outdoor learning throughout our property with their teachers.
Our top-of-the-line security system was designed with recommendations given by local sherifs, and each caregiver and staff member receive custom key fobs with timed entry markers to ensure secure entry points.
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Our classrooms are a peaceful place to learn and play
Our environment at Vine & Branches is nurturing, safe, and full of grace. Built in 2018, our still-like-new campus and classrooms offer ample space to explore and learn together.
When you step into our classrooms, you will notice the calm environment created intentionally by our teachers. Supplies are tidy and organized, spaces are clean and warm, and the walls are coated in white, decorated with learning tools, and creative bulletin boards and art students and teachers make together.
Vine & Branches is a calm and peaceful space to learn and play.
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