Philosophy
Open Arms Christian Child Development Center is a not-for-profit ministry of Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, providing a Preschool program of the highest quality designed to meet the needs of families in our community. At Open Arms, each child is guided to develop to his/her potential in every aspect of life within the sheltering and nurturing relationships of Christian love. We operate our center assuming that each child is an individual and must be allowed to grow and learn at his/her own rate and to develop a healthy self-image. At Open Arms we will help each child to grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially, and intellectually.
A preschool and/or childcare experience frequently represents the child’s first separation from home. It is a first experience in learning that other adults can be helpful and loving. Children have much social learning to do. This is accomplished best in an atmosphere of love and concern for the needs of each child. Programs are planned to encourage and develop individual strengths and abilities, while helping your child to understand the value of cooperation and interaction with others. This is achieved through working, learning, playing, and sharing with other children as well as adults.
A FAMILY APPROACH
At Open Arms, we believe that care extends beyond the children in our classrooms. We emphasize a whole-family focus with activities such as our annual Fall Fest, Reading Under the Stars, seasonal in-classroom family parties, and twice-a-year Parent-Teacher Conferences. Our Open Arms families are just as important to us as the children in our care. We also offer family groups, support, and resources through our affiliated church, Our Savior’s Way.
SPECIALIZED STAFF
Open Arms has specialized teachers for Music, Physical Education, and Faith.
IN-CLASSROOM APP
Our in-classroom app, FAMLY, lets parents view secure updates about their child’s day. Stay up to date with teacher communications and receive daily reports about activities and learning experiences.
PREPARATION FOR GRADE SCHOOL
We prepare children for grade school through structured learning in the classroom, organized transitions (including walking in the hallways), and management of classroom interactions to encourage appropriate social behaviors. These daily aspects of every Open Arms classroom support the development of the foundational character skills needed when beginning grade school.
CERTIFIED AND ACCREDITED
Open Arms Christian Child Development Center is recognized by the Virginia Council for Private Education and maintains a National Lutheran Schools Accreditation.
ANCILLARY PROGRAMS
We also offer optional ancillary programs to supplement your child’s classroom activities and encourage special interests.
LARGE INDOOR PLAY SPACE
Our indoor play space (“The Big Room”) allows us to provide large motor skill activities, even in inclement weather. Ancillary programs such as Happy Feet soccer also use this space.
CHRISTIAN VALUES AND CHARACTER EDUCATION
As a ministry of Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, Open Arms promotes a faith-based and value-driven education.