BDLA family guide
Frequently asked questions
Review answers about programs, daily care, meals, transportation, safety, enrollment, faith-based learning, and family communication.
All family questions
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The official Parent Handbook and BDLA staff remain the source for detailed or family-specific guidance.
What ages do you serve?
Beulah Duke Learning Academy serves children ages 6 weeks through 12 years old, including infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-kindergarten, before-school, after-school, and summer camp programs.
What are your hours of operation?
BDLA is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Do you accept child care subsidy (DSS)?
Yes. BDLA accepts Virginia Child Care Subsidy assistance. Families interested in applying should contact their local Department of Social Services for eligibility information.
Is transportation provided?
Yes. Transportation is available for eligible school-age children attending select local schools. Please contact the academy for transportation availability and routes.
What curriculum do you use?
BDLA utilizes STREAMin³ and developmentally appropriate learning experiences designed to promote school readiness, social-emotional growth, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Are meals provided?
Yes. BDLA participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and provides nutritious meals and snacks that meet USDA guidelines.
Can my child bring food or snacks from home?
To help ensure the safety of all children and comply with food program requirements, outside food and drinks are generally not permitted. Exceptions may be made for infants, documented food allergies, medical conditions, or special dietary needs when supported by appropriate medical documentation and physician authorization.
Can my child celebrate their birthday at school?
Yes. Families may provide store-bought, individually packaged treats for the class. All treats must be nut-free and approved by administration prior to the celebration. Please speak with your child's teacher in advance to coordinate a birthday celebration date and time.
Can my child bring toys from home?
BDLA recommends that toys and personal items remain at home unless requested by the teacher for a special activity or show-and-tell. The academy is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misplaced personal items.
Can I visit my child during the day?
Yes. Parents are welcome to visit at any time. BDLA encourages family involvement and open communication between home and school.
How will I know what my child is doing during the day?
Families receive updates through the Procare Engagement app, including messages, photos, daily reports, and important announcements. Parents are also encouraged to communicate directly with their child's teacher and participate in conferences and family events throughout the year.
What should my child bring to school?
Children should arrive dressed comfortably and appropriately for both indoor and outdoor activities. Families are responsible for providing a complete change of clothing. Infants and toddlers should also bring diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and any other items needed for daily care. A detailed supply list is provided before the child's first day.
What happens if my child becomes sick at school?
If a child becomes ill during the day, parents will be contacted immediately. Children displaying symptoms of illness may be required to go home and remain out of care according to the illness policy.
What is your discipline policy?
BDLA uses positive guidance techniques, redirection, encouragement, and age-appropriate conflict resolution strategies. The program focuses on teaching appropriate behaviors while maintaining a safe and nurturing environment.
Can someone else pick up my child?
Yes, but only individuals listed on the child's authorized pick-up form may pick up the child. A valid photo ID may be required.
What happens if I am late picking up my child?
Children must be picked up by closing time. Late pick-up fees may apply according to the Parent Handbook.
What are your drop-off and pick-up procedures?
For the safety of all children, parents and authorized individuals must sign children in and out each day. Children are only released to individuals listed on the authorized pick-up form with proper identification.
What should I do if my child will be absent?
Please notify the academy as soon as possible if your child will be absent or arriving late so BDLA can maintain accurate attendance records and ensure the child's well-being.
How do you communicate emergency closings or delays?
Families are notified through the Procare Engagement app, phone calls, text messages, email, and social media when necessary.
How often do children go outside?
Weather permitting, children participate in outdoor play and gross motor activities daily. Outdoor experiences are an important part of children's physical development, learning, and overall well-being.
Are teachers trained in CPR and First Aid?
Yes. Staff members maintain required training and certifications in accordance with Virginia requirements and academy policies.
Do you offer summer camp?
Yes. The summer camp program includes educational activities, special events, field trips, water play, enrichment opportunities, and fun learning experiences for school-age children.
Do you provide diapers and wipes?
No. Families are responsible for providing diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and other personal care items needed for their child.
Do you accept children who are not potty trained?
Yes. BDLA understands that children develop at different rates and works closely with families during the potty-training process.
What is your teacher-to-child ratio?
Beulah Duke Learning Academy follows Virginia's religiously exempt child day center requirements to ensure children are supervised in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.
Do you have a waiting list?
Enrollment is based on classroom availability. When a classroom is full, families may request to be added to the waiting list.
Are parents allowed to volunteer or participate in events?
Yes. BDLA encourages family involvement through classroom activities, special events, field trips, family engagement opportunities, and volunteer activities throughout the year.
Is Beulah Duke Learning Academy a faith-based program?
Yes. BDLA is a faith-based learning environment that incorporates Christian values, character development, and biblical principles into daily activities and interactions.
How do I enroll my child?
Enrollment begins with a tour of Beulah Duke Learning Academy. Once a family decides to move forward, an orientation is scheduled. During orientation, families complete the enrollment packet, submit required records and forms, pay applicable registration fees, and provide required supplies. Enrollment is complete once required documentation has been received and approved, and a start date has been established.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. A non-refundable registration fee is required to secure enrollment and reserve the child's space.
What holidays are you closed?
BDLA's 2026 holiday closing schedule includes New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1); Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 19); Presidents' Day (Monday, February 16); Good Friday (Friday, April 3); Memorial Day (Monday, May 25); Juneteenth National Independence Day (Friday, June 19); Independence Day (Saturday, July 4); Labor Day (Monday, September 7); Veterans Day (Wednesday, November 11); Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27); and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25).
What makes Beulah Duke Learning Academy different?
BDLA is committed to Educating Through Excellence by providing a nurturing, faith-based learning environment where children are encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.