Vote Best Daycare

and Preschool in Alexandria!

Empowering Children to be Their Very Best!

Two Convenient Locations in Del Ray and Potomac Yard!

Discovery Time Learning Center

Introduction

Welcome to Discovery Time Learning Center

Discovery Time Learning Center sign out front daycare in Alexandria VA

About Us

Est. 2014

National Accreditation Awarded

National Accreditation Achieved in 2018

Established in 2014, we are dedicated to providing high quality early childhood education to infants, toddlers and preschoolers in our daycare and preschool program in Alexandria, VA using our research-based curriculum and highly trained teaching team. Discovery Time was founded with a mission to support families, guide discoveries and empower children to be their very best! 

We encourage parent involvement at all age levels and offer a variety of parent-oriented activities throughout the year. In addition, we have an open door policy and secure classroom cameras that allow parents to view their child from anywhere at anytime. 

  Our program is open Monday through Friday and offers full-time care and part-time care options at two convenient Alexandria locations in Del Ray and Potomac Yard.

Current Openings 

(Updated May 2026)

Full-Time Openings:

Infants (1)
Toddler/2s, (2) Preschool/PreK (2)

Our Awesome Team

Meet Our Teachers

One Team, One Dream

At Discovery Time we believe that our teaching team is one of our greatest assets. In addition, to completing 3 times the amount of required annual training each year, our team is known for passionately caring for our children and building bonds with our families. The Discovery Time team truly becomes extended family for the children that we serve. Each of our teachers have special gifts and talents that they bring to the team and these many different talents allows us to give our best to our children and families each day! 

Congratulations to the DTLC Team for earning 'Alexandria's Best Daycare' Award in Zebra Reader's Choice Awards - January 2020

Our Program Features

Why Choose Our Centers

Safe and Secure Center with Certified Training

We are a safe and secure child care center with certified staff providing nurturing early childhood education, structured learning, and a supportive environment for children’s growth and development.

Classroom
Cameras

Classroom cameras are available to enhance safety, transparency, and peace of mind for families, allowing secure monitoring of daily activities in a trusted learning environment.

Passionate
Teachers

We can’t say it enough – we have the best teachers anywhere! Our teachers are extremely caring, compassionate, and committed and we wouldn’t have it any other way. In 2023, our teachers completed triple the amount of training required by state licensing. This is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to share our life’s passion.

Saturday Parent's
Night Out

You will love our Saturday Parents’ Night Out. Throughout the year, Parents’ Night Out is offered to give our families time to complete last minute holiday shopping, enjoy a dinner date, or simply to have a few quiet hours at home. These events typically take place one Saturday each month from 4:30 to 8:30 PM.

Nationally Recognized Hands-On Curriculum

Learning should be fun and at Discovery Time, it is! Our Nationally Recognized Curriculum allows children to explore and make discoveries as they balance both play and structured learning time. We also partner with PowerTots and a local organization for Gymnastics Enrichment and Soccer. 

Parent Involvement
Opportunities

In addition to maintaining an open door policy, we invite our families to take part in special events at our school. Our most popular events include our Fall Festival & Costume Parade, Mystery Reader Visits, Field Trips to the Zoo and Pumpkin Patch, Summer Field Day, and Class Holiday Parties.

. . . Plus we offer nutritious catered meals for children 16 months and older, flexible part-time (16+) and full-time options, Power Tots Gymnastics and Soccer Enrichment. Stay connected with your child’s day through our digital app for daily updates, photos, and communication from your child’s teacher.

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Discovery Time Learning Center is ranked as a 2021, 2022 and 2023 top and best daycare and preschool in Alexandria, VA in Northern Virginia Magazine. Congratulations to our entire team at our Del Ray location!

Experience Our School Community

Learn More

Our Core Values

Family Partnership

We work to know the 'little' and 'grown up' customers that we serve personally. We are on a mission to meet and exceed their expectations.

Toddler playing with toys at daycare

Integrity

We are honest and consistent in our words and actions. We consistenlty follow policies set forth so that we are always working to do the right thing.

Boy finger painting

Positivity and Optimism

We are excited about each day. We energetically present ourselves with enthusiam at all times, even when it's tough, Our attitude, words, and actions inspire others to be great!

Have Fun!

We love what we do! We entertain ourselves and others using the classroom as our stage. As a team, we value and celebrate our work together.

Quick Links

Our Testimonials

What Our Parents Say

Program Tours

Book Your Program Tour Online

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about enrollment, programs, or daily care? We’re here to help!

We provide care and early education programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and Pre-K children.

Our curriculum combines structured learning with play-based exploration to support social, emotional, physical, and academic development.

Discovery Time has two convenient locations in Alexandria, Virginia:

  • 1509 Leslie Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
  • 420 Hume Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

Yes! We encourage families to schedule a tour to meet our teachers, explore the classrooms, and learn more about our programs.

Yes. Our teachers receive extensive professional development and ongoing training throughout the year to ensure high-quality early childhood education and care.

Yes. We offer flexible scheduling options based on availability and your family’s needs.

We believe strong communication with families is essential. Parents receive regular updates about classroom activities, milestones, and important announcements.

Safety is one of our highest priorities. We maintain secure facilities, follow strict health and safety procedures, and provide active supervision throughout the day.

We follow all Virginia state teacher-to-child ratio requirements to ensure children receive attentive care and individualized support.

You can contact our admissions team or request enrollment information directly through our website to begin the enrollment process.

Availability varies by age group and location. Please contact us for current openings and waitlist information.

Yes. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided according to our program schedule and nutritional guidelines.

We work closely with families to accommodate allergies and dietary needs whenever possible while maintaining a safe environment for all children.

Yes. Outdoor play and physical activity are important parts of our daily schedule, weather permitting.

Families receive a checklist before their child starts, including items such as extra clothes, nap supplies, and any required forms or medications.

You can reach our team by phone at (703) 930-9043 or through the contact form on our website.

Serving families seeking infant and toddler daycare and preschool in Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, Potomac Yard, Rosemont, Shirlington, and surrounding communities.

© 2026 Discovery Time Learning Center