Welcome to Abra! We know that families have lots of questions when choosing a school and throughout the school year. We’ve gathered some of our most frequently asked questions below to make it easy to find helpful information about our program, policies, and daily routines.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

General Information

What are Abra’s hours?

Abra is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.

Our program provides children with a full day of opportunities for learning, play, exploration, and connection.

What curriculum does Abra use?

Abra uses the HighScope Curriculum, a research-based early childhood curriculum built around active, hands-on learning.

HighScope encourages children to plan, do, and review their learning experiences. Teachers create thoughtfully prepared learning environments where children can make choices, explore materials, solve problems, and learn through meaningful play.

Some of the key features of HighScope include:

• Active learning: Children learn by doing, exploring, and interacting with their environment.

• Child choice: Children have opportunities to make meaningful choices about their play and learning.

• Plan-Do-Review: Children practice planning what they want to do, carrying out their ideas, and reflecting on their experiences.

• Teacher support: Teachers observe children closely and intentionally support learning through questions, conversation, modeling, and encouragement.

• Social-emotional development: Children develop skills such as cooperation, problem-solving, independence, communication, and conflict resolution.

• Hands-on experiences: Learning happens through real experiences, materials, movement, conversation, creativity, and play.

At Abra, our curriculum is intentionally play-based and child-centered. We believe young children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and given opportunities to explore the world around them.

Does Abra offer enrichment programs?

Yes! We offer optional enrichment opportunities for families who would like to add an extra activity to their child's week.

Our current enrichment offerings are:

• PowerTots — Tuesdays

• Soccer — Thursdays

These are optional programs that require parent enrollment and an additional fee. Enrollment and payment are handled separately from regular Abra tuition.

Daily Routines

What is nap/rest time like?

Due to our hours of operation, Virginia licensing requirements require Abra to provide children with a daily rest period. Abra holds space for a two-hour rest period each day for students.

This is a mandatory, non-negotiable quiet rest period. However, we understand that every child has different sleep needs and that not every child will need to sleep for the entire rest period.

If a child falls asleep during rest time, teachers will not wake the child before the rest period ends. Children are given the opportunity to sleep as long as they need within the designated rest period.

If a child remains awake, teachers will provide quiet activities for the child to enjoy on their cot after approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on the needs and dynamics of the classroom. Quiet activities may include:

• Drawing pads

• Books

• Small puzzles

• Other quiet, age-appropriate activities

Our goal is to provide every child with the opportunity to rest and recharge while also recognizing and respecting individual sleep needs.

What time are snacks and meals served?

Abra follows a regular meal and snack schedule to make sure children have consistent opportunities to eat throughout the day.

Our current schedule is approximately:

• Morning Snack: 8:30–9:00 AM

• Lunch: 11:30 AM/12:00 PM

• Afternoon Snack: 2:30/3:00 PM, following the end of rest time

Meal and snack times may vary slightly by classroom based on children's ages, routines, and daily needs.

Abra provides a healthy morning snack each day to help children refuel and stay energized for learning and play. Families who arrive after morning snack are welcome to send their child with a morning snack if needed. This is optional for families.

Does Abra offer half-day enrollment?

Abra does not offer separate half-day enrollment or half-day tuition rates. Tuition is set on a monthly basis and does not change based on the number of hours or days your child attends.

However, we understand that every family has different needs and schedules. Families are welcome to utilize Abra in the way that works best for their family—whether that means attending for a full day, attending for part of the day, or attending only a few days each week.

Your family's schedule is yours to choose. We encourage families to use the program in the way that best supports their individual needs, while understanding that monthly tuition remains the same regardless of attendance schedule.

What should my child bring to school each day?

Each classroom has a specific supply list based on the children's ages and developmental needs. Depending on the classroom, supplies may include:

• Water bottle

• Two complete changes of clothing

• Nap/rest items

• Diapers, when applicable

• Other classroom-specific supplies

Please label all belongings with your child's first and last name.

Illness & Medication

When should I keep my child home from school?

Children should remain home when they are ill and are unable to comfortably participate in the normal activities of the school day.

Our sick policy is designed to protect the health and well-being of all children and staff. If a child becomes ill while at school, families may be contacted and asked to pick up their child.

When in doubt, please reach out to us. We are always happy to talk through whether your child should attend.

Can my child come to school with a fever?

Children with a fever should remain home in accordance with our illness policy. If a child develops a fever while at Abra, parents/guardians will be contacted for pickup.

Children should be able to participate comfortably in the school day before returning.

Can Abra administer medication?

Yes, when the required medication authorization forms have been completed.

Medication forms must be updated every six months. All medication must be provided in its original container and appropriately labeled with the child's name and date, as applicable.

Please do not send medication to school without completing the required authorization process.

What about sunscreen, diaper cream, or other topical products?

Topical products must also be appropriately labeled and accompanied by the required authorization form. Please make sure your child's name and the date are clearly indicated on the products as required.

Pick-Up & Brightwheel

Who is allowed to pick up my child?

Only individuals who have been designated as approved pick-up contacts may pick up your child from Abra.

If you need to add someone to your child's approved pick-up list, please update the information in Brightwheel.

What if someone different is picking up my child today?

Please make sure the change is communicated to Abra through Brightwheel before pickup.

Updating your child's approved pick-up contacts in Brightwheel and sending a message to staff helps ensure that everyone is aware of the change and that we can safely verify the person picking up your child.

For your child's safety, please do not rely solely on a verbal message to another parent or staff member. Brightwheel is our primary communication tool for these changes.

What if I need someone to pick up my child who isn't on the approved list?

Please update your child's approved pick-up information in Brightwheel and communicate the change directly to Abra staff through Brightwheel.

We cannot release a child to someone who has not been properly authorized.

Brightwheel & Communication

What is Brightwheel used for?

Brightwheel is one of our primary tools for communication between Abra and families.

Families use Brightwheel for things such as:

• School communications and announcements

• Messages to teachers and administration

• Attendance and daily information

• Pick-up changes

• Important reminders

• Family contact information

• Other classroom and school updates

Please make sure your email address and contact information in Brightwheel are always current, as school-wide communications may be sent using the contact information listed in Brightwheel.

Does Abra have a parent listserv?

Abra does not provide parent contact information to other families without the parent's permission.

We value our families' privacy and want parents to have control over whether and how their contact information is shared.

If families would like to connect with one another, we encourage parents to share their own contact information directly or give Abra permission to share it on their behalf.

How will Abra communicate important information to families?

Our primary communication platform is Brightwheel. We also share information through newsletters sent via email, school communications, and other family updates throughout the year.

Please make sure your contact information on Brightwheel is current so that you don't miss important announcements.

How can I communicate with my child's teachers?

Brightwheel is an excellent way to communicate with your child's teaching team and the Abra administration. You are always welcome to reach out with questions, concerns, or information that will help us better support your child.

We value open, respectful communication and believe that strong partnerships between families and teachers help children thrive.

Tuition & Enrollment

Does tuition change based on attendance?

Monthly tuition is based on enrollment rather than the number of days a child attends during the month.

Families are welcome to use the schedule that works best for their family's needs; tuition will remain the same for the month.

What happens if I need to withdraw my child?

Abra requires at least 30 days' written notice for withdrawal.

If the required notice is not provided, one month's tuition will be charged in accordance with our enrollment policies.

How do I get on the waiting list?

Families interested in enrollment begin the process with a meeting and tour with the Director. If a space is not currently available, families may be added to the waiting list.

A $75 non-refundable waiting list fee is required.

Family Communication & Community

How can I stay involved at Abra?

We love having our families be part of our school community! Throughout the year, Abra offers family events, celebrations, opportunities to connect with teachers, and ways for parents to participate in the life of the school.

Keep an eye on Brightwheel and our newsletters for upcoming opportunities.

Can parents visit their child's classroom?

We welcome family involvement and love having parents be part of our school community. If you would like to visit your child's classroom or have a question about visiting during the school day, please reach out to the Director so we can help coordinate your visit while also supporting the classroom's daily routine.

Health, Safety & Licensing

Is Abra licensed?

Yes. Abra is a Virginia-licensed child care program and follows applicable Virginia child care licensing requirements.

We take children's health, safety, and well-being seriously and work to maintain a safe, nurturing environment for every child.

What happens during an emergency?

Abra maintains emergency procedures and practices age-appropriate emergency drills with children and staff. Our staff are trained to respond to emergency situations while keeping children's safety and emotional well-being at the forefront.

Families will be notified through our established communication channels when an emergency situation requires parent communication.

Our Approach to Learning

Is Abra a play-based school?

Yes! Play is at the heart of what we do.

Play is not separate from learning in early childhood—it is one of the primary ways young children learn. Through play, children develop language, problem-solving skills, creativity, independence, social skills, physical coordination, and confidence.

Our HighScope curriculum supports this philosophy by giving children meaningful opportunities to make choices, explore, experiment, interact with others, and reflect on their experiences.

How does Abra support social-emotional development?

We help children develop social-emotional skills throughout the entire school day—not just during a designated lesson.

Teachers support children as they learn to:

• Express and identify their feelings

• Communicate their needs

• Build friendships

• Take turns and cooperate

• Solve problems with others

• Practice independence

• Navigate disagreements

• Develop confidence and a sense of belonging

We view everyday interactions, challenges, and play experiences as valuable opportunities for learning and growth.

Still Have Questions?

We are always happy to help!

If you can't find the answer you're looking for here, please reach out to the Abra team through Brightwheel or email. We believe communication is an important part of building a strong partnership between school and home, and we're always glad to answer questions and help families feel informed and connected.