Why Our Early Learning Program Matters
The first five years of life are among the most important for a child’s brain development, learning, and social-emotional growth. But for many families, quality childcare and early education are out of reach.
At United Community, we believe that access to high-quality early learning shouldn’t depend on income or circumstance.
That’s why, for 30 years, the Early Learning Center (ELC) in Alexandria, VA has provided a safe and enriching environment where children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old can grow and thrive.
Curriculum & Principles
Our Early Learning Center (ELC) is a Virginia Quality Certified childcare center using a play-based, curriculum-driven approach aligned with Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS).
Guided by the Environmental Rating Scale, classrooms are intentionally designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, build early literacy, and support social-emotional development. Children learn through exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Our Core Principles
- Provide a safe, nurturing environment where children learn through play.
- Encourage exploration through all five senses.
- Cultivate self-control, respect for others, and a positive self-image.
- Maintain open communication with families to strengthen learning at home.
Our Curriculum
The Creative Curriculum focuses on objectives for development and learning across every stage of growth. Lessons and activities are designed to nurture:
- Social-emotional development and cooperation
- Physical coordination and movement
- Language and literacy skills
- Cognitive thinking and problem-solving
- Math, science, and technology exploration
- Social studies
- Creative arts
This well-rounded framework ensures each child develops academically, socially, and emotionally while embracing their natural curiosity.
Our Curriculum
Guided by the Environmental Rating Scale, classrooms are intentionally designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, build early literacy, and support social-emotional development. Children learn through exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
Benefits of an ELC Education
Expert Educators
Our classrooms are led by licensed early childhood teachers who complete more than twice the state’s required training each year. We also participate in the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), which invests in continued learning for early education teachers.
Our educators’ advanced certifications and deep commitment ensure every child is guided by professionals who understand development at every stage.
Trusted Assessments
Teachers track growth using the same evidence-based assessments pediatricians rely on, ensuring every milestone is supported and no child is overlooked.
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
ELC participates in VPI, which, in addition to professional development support for our teachers, provides free vision, dental, and medical screenings for each child.
All-Inclusive Tuition
Tuition includes meals, snacks, activities, and field trips, providing consistent care and fewer surprises for families.
Family Support
Knowing their children are safe, supported, and thriving gives parents peace of mind and the freedom to focus on education, job training, or employment opportunities.
Community Connection
As part of United Community’s broader network, families can access wraparound services, such as job readiness, food assistance, and financial coaching, so childcare and family stability move forward hand-in-hand.
Meet Our Director
Ms. Torria Baker, Center Director
Hello, my name is Ms. Torria. I am the Center Director of the United Community Early Learning Center! When I was a child, I was really creative, imaginative, tough, and silly 🤪! I wanted to be a singer and fine artist when I grew up.
I decided to work in early childhood education because I saw firsthand how early childhood education can impact the overall development of young children!
My mother has to be the biggest influence in my life! She has always taught me to help others and to be of service to those in need.
My leadership style is hands-on, engaging, fair, and forward-thinking! I engage families by keeping them in the know of all the wonderful and AMAZING things happening at the ELC! Families are the children’s first teachers.
I am always here to support and encourage home and school collaboration! I am very proud to be a part of such an awesome team! I want children and families to always remember that I am truly passionate about the lives, learning, and well-being of the children and families we serve!
Tuition & Financial Assistance
- Registration Fee: $100
- Sibling Discount: 10% off tuition for the second child
- Referral Bonus: Earn a tuition credit when you refer a new family
- Subsidies Available: We accept childcare assistance through Fairfax County’s Office for Children (OFC)
Full Time Rates
Infant (6 wks - 15m):
Weekly – $464.08;
Monthly – $2,011
Toddler (16m - 23m):
Weekly – $432.23
Monthly – $1,873
Early Preschool (2 - 3):
Weekly – $378.23
Monthly – $1,639
Preschool (Ages 3-4)
Weekly: $378.23
Monthly – $1,639
Infant (6 wks - 15m):
Weekly – $378.23
Monthly – $1,639
Part Time Rates
Infant (6 wks - 15m):
Weekly 3 Days – $334.14
Monthly 3 Days a Week – $1,336
Weekly 2 Days – $222.76
Monthly 2 Days a Week – $891.04
Toddler (16m - 23m):
Weekly 3 Days – $334.14
Monthly 3 Days a Week $1,244.88
Weekly 2 Days – $207.48
Monthly 2 Days a Week – $829.92
Early Preschool (2 - 3) + Preschool (Ages 3-4) + Pre-K (Ages 4-5):
Weekly 3 Days – $272.34
Monthly 3 Days a Week – $1,089.36
Weekly 2 Days – $181.56
Monthly 2 Days a Week – $726.24
Where You Can Access the Early Learning Center
The ELC is open to all in need of quality early education and child care.
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2709 Popkins Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306 - 703.765.0909
- [email protected]
- Early Learning Center’s Facebook Page
- Early Learning Center’s Instagram Page
What People are Saying About ELC
How You Can Help
Your support helps children in Fairfax County access early education that lays the foundation for lifelong success. You can:
- Donate to sponsor tuition or classroom resources
- Volunteer your time or skills
- Partner with us to expand access to early learning
- Contribute in-kind gifts or classroom supplies
FAQs
Addressing Barriers to Childcare
Each child receives a portfolio-based assessment aligned with The Creative Curriculum and Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards. Our classrooms are warm, inclusive environments that nurture physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Children also receive nutritious meals and snacks daily—with an emphasis on fresh produce, which is especially important for families experiencing food insecurity.
Parents are active partners in their child’s development. We share assessment results regularly, coordinate screenings and referrals, and connect families to additional United Community services such as ESL courses, parenting classes, job training, and more to support long-term stability.
We participate in the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), which provides services such as Free Vision, Dental, and Medical Screenings for each child. In addition, our tuition covers meals, snacks, activities, field trips, and more.
Our child-to-teacher ratio is 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for Toddlers, 1:8 for Early Preschool, and 1:10 for Pre-K. If a child-to-teacher ratio is deficient due to a staff member’s illness or vacation, our Floater Teacher will substitute to ensure that we are able to maintain our child-to-teacher ratio.
In 2024, United Community launched a new strategic plan grounded in client-centered, trauma-informed care. The ELC is a cornerstone of that strategy, providing wraparound support that connects children and parents with developmentally appropriate education, workforce development, healthcare, case management, and access to healthy food. housing support.
Every child enrolled in the ELC receives their own special learning portfolio, created by their classroom team. Each child’s portfolio contains an “All About Me” section, anecdotal notes, development assessments, work samples, and photos of each child engaged in activities.
The ELC teaching team may share portfolios with parents at any time or during scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences. As each child advances through the ELC program, his/her portfolio will continue to grow, for as long as the child attends the ELC. Upon graduation from the ELC program, parents get to keep the contents of their child’s portfolio.
No. The Early Learning Center serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years old only.
Yes. We accept Fairfax County childcare assistance and other approved voucher programs.
Call 703-765-0909 to schedule a visit. Tours are available Monday–Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Enrollment includes a $100 registration fee. Tuition rates vary by age group and schedule. Please visit the Early Learning Center website for more info and to learn about tuition assistance programs.
Ready to Enroll?
A strong start leads to a lifetime of possibilities.
Whether you’re a parent seeking care or a supporter looking to give back, you can help shape brighter futures today.
Step 1: Complete Online
Visit the Procare portal to begin your application online.
Step 2: Print*, Complete, Return
Print*, Complete, and Return the remaining registration forms. These forms must be completed with pen.
Email the completed forms to [email protected] (subject: Completed Registration Forms – Last Name of Children) or bring the hard copies directly to the Early Learning Center. Please call before hand to notify staff you are coming at 703-765-0909.
*If you do not have access to a printer, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
