–parent at NOVA AshburnMy children (10, 6, and 1.5 years old) have attended the Ashburn campus of Northern Virginia Academy of Early Learning in some capacity or another for almost two years.  My two oldest have attended camps, drop ins, and after school programs.  In addition, our youngest has been in the full time preschool program since he was almost four months old.  It is a joy and so comforting when we walk in for morning drop off or afternoon pickup that we are greeted with smiling and friendly faces.  All of our kids have thoroughly enjoyed every program they have attended.  Knowing when we pull into the parking lot my 1.5 year old starts clapping and shouting “school”.  As he continues to grow, I am seeing things that have obviously been taught to him by his teachers (i.e., sign language, ABC’s, counting, and various other words and mannerisms).  Leaving our littles is always hard, but it truly is a blessing when your child leaps out of your arms into the teachers’ arms ready to start his day.  Not once have I ever walked into the campus and any of my kids say that don’t want to be there.  They are eager to go, have fun and learn. Our youngest had some health scares earlier this year and the school was so comforting, understanding and compassionate while we navigated through unknown territory.  We will be forever grateful for their support.  Through the dreaded shutdown of COVID-19 they have been very communicative and flexible in reopening and safety is their number one concern.  Any time anyone ever asks about daycare options in my area I always give them NVA’s name and tell them how great they are.  My one regret is that we did not find them sooner.