New Part-Time Infant & Toddler Care Pilot Program to Launch This Summer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandria, Virginia — At their quarterly meeting in June, the Hopkins House Trustees approved a one-year pilot of a new part-time infant and toddler care option for the organization’s Preschool Academy. This new initiative, known as the Infant & Toddler Discovery Program, is designed to expand access to high-quality early childhood education while providing greater flexibility for parents navigating changing work schedules, economic uncertainty, and evolving childcare needs.
Enrollment in the new Infant & Toddler Discovery Program will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis beginning this summer at its Helen Day Preschool Academy in the City of Alexandria and James L. & Juliette McNeil Preschool Academy in Fairfax County, subject to available space. Up to 25 hours of childcare per week will be offered, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
To preserve classroom continuity and program sustainability, the pilot will operate on a fixed schedule and will not offer drop-in or hourly care. The number of available part-time slots may vary throughout the year based on enrollment demand and program needs. And siblings of currently enrolled Hopkins House Preschool Academy Young Scholars will receive priority admission.
Response to Evolving Parent Needs
This pilot program was developed in response to growing interest from families seeking more flexible childcare arrangements, including parents working hybrid schedules, employed part-time, on temporary parental leave, or transitioning back into the workforce. Hopkins House leadership also cited continuing economic pressures on working families and the need to provide more affordable pathways to high-quality early learning opportunities.
“Working families today face a daunting array of unprecedented economic and workplace realities,” said J. Glenn Hopkins, President and CEO of Hopkins House. “Our hope is that this new program will prove to be a helpful resource for families seeking a flexible, high-quality care option for their children.”
The Trustees approved the pilot after concluding that the program could expand access to early childhood education, improve utilization of existing classroom capacity, create a pathway to future full-time enrollment, and strengthen Hopkins House’s ability to respond effectively and quickly to changing community needs.
Pilot to be Evaluated After at Six and 12 Months
The Trustees directed that the pilot be formally evaluated after six months and again at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 program year. The review will examine the program’s impact on Hopkins House Preschool Academy enrollment, family satisfaction, revenue generation, operational efficiency, and overall demand for flexible childcare services.
Founded in 1939, Hopkins House is one of Northern Virginia’s oldest nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities through high-quality early childhood education, workforce development, and family support services. Through its nationally accredited Preschool Academy and Early Childhood Learning Institute (ECLI), Hopkins House serves hundreds of children, youth, and families each year across Alexandria and Fairfax County.
