Question 1

What does a typical day look like at BabyFe?

Accepted Answer

A typical day at BabyFe is centered on Spanish immersion and our "Learning Through Play" philosophy. Children engage in a vibrant mix of activities, including morning circle time, storytelling, music and movement, hands-on exploration, and creative arts.
To ensure natural language acquisition, our teachers speak exclusively in Spanish in all classrooms. The only exception is our Pre-K program, which is bilingual to help students transition smoothly and confidently into Kindergarten. Through daily routines and songs, children develop bilingual fluency alongside essential social, cognitive, and motor skills.

Question 2

At what age can my child start the program?

Accepted Answer

We welcome children starting at 6 weeks. Early enrollment is ideal because young children's brains are primed for language acquisition, but our curriculum is designed to meet children wherever they are developmentally.

Question 3

Will learning Spanish slow down my child's English development?

Accepted Answer

No, research consistently shows the opposite. Bilingual children develop stronger cognitive flexibility, better listening skills, and a deeper understanding of how language works, all of which support English literacy and academic performance.

Question 4

Why can't my child just learn Spanish from TV shows or CDs?

Accepted Answer

Passive media exposure can build vocabulary, but it doesn't teach a child how to use a language. Real fluency comes from live, responsive interaction with caring teachers, conversations where children ask questions, make mistakes, and are understood.

Question 5

When should I expect my child to start speaking Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Every child is different. Most children go through a "silent period" where they absorb far more than they produce, this is completely normal and healthy. Active speaking typically begins to emerge within a few months of consistent immersion.

Question 6

How does a bilingual preschool give my child an academic edge in kindergarten and beyond?

Accepted Answer

Studies show bilingual children score higher on executive function tasks, are stronger readers, and adapt more easily to new learning environments. The mental workout of managing two languages builds cognitive skills that benefit every subject throughout K–12.

Question 7

Do teachers speak only Spanish in the classroom?

Accepted Answer

Our immersion classrooms use Spanish as the primary language of instruction. Teachers are trained to use context, gestures, and visuals, so children understand without relying on English translation, building true fluency rather than word-for-word memorization.

Question 8

How do I enroll my child?

Accepted Answer

The journey begins with a personal tour! Parents can start the process by scheduling a visit, speaking with our administrative team, or requesting an information packet. During the tour, we will discuss program availability, daily routines, and specific enrollment requirements to ensure BabyFe is the right fit for your family.

Question 9

Do you offer part-time or flexible scheduling options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We understand that every family has different needs, so we offer flexible enrollment options to support your schedule. Depending on the specific center location, options may include:
Full-time care
Part-Time care (Limited Availability)
Before & After-care services
Summer Camp

Question 10

What is the tuition, and are there sibling discounts or financial aid options?

Accepted Answer

Tuition rates are based on your child’s age group (Infant, Toddler, Preschool, or School-Age). Because rates can vary by location, we encourage you to contact your local BabyFe center for a comprehensive tuition breakdown, information on payment plans, and details regarding potential financial assistance or sibling discounts.

Question 11

Is there a waitlist, and how far in advance should I apply?

Accepted Answer

Availability varies by location and age group. Because our programs tend to fill up quickly, we recommend contacting us as early as possible to schedule a tour and inquire about current openings or waitlist status.

Question 12

I don't speak Spanish. How can I support my child's bilingual development at home?

Accepted Answer

You don't need to speak Spanish! We provide families with take-home resources, vocabulary lists, and simple phrases so you can reinforce what your child is learning. Showing enthusiasm and celebrating their progress goes a long way.

Question 13

Where are your locations, and how do I find the one nearest to me?

Accepted Answer

We currently have 3 locations in Alexandria, Bowie, and Silver Spring. Our website's Locations page shows addresses, contact numbers, and directions for each site.

Question 14

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

Our centers are open Monday to Friday, 7 AM–6 PM. Extended care options are available before and after the core program hours. Please ask about availability at your preferred location.

Question 15

Do you close for holidays or school breaks?

Accepted Answer

To help families plan, each center provides an annual school calendar detailing all holiday closures and scheduled breaks. Please note that specific closure dates may vary slightly by location.

Question 16

What are your teacher qualifications and hiring standards?

Accepted Answer

Our educators are the heart of BabyFe. All teachers meet the rigorous standards established by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Our team consists of experienced early childhood professionals trained in child development, classroom safety, and Spanish immersion instruction. Additionally, every staff member must:
Pass comprehensive background checks.
Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
Complete annual professional development hours required by MSDE to stay at the forefront of early education.

Question 17

What is your teacher-to-child ratio?

Accepted Answer

We maintain low ratios to ensure every child receives personal attention and responsive language interaction. Ratios meet or exceed state licensing requirements and vary by age group. Ask us for specifics for your child's age.

Question 18

How do you handle allergies, medical needs, and emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our top priority. We maintain strict health and sanitation policies and secure facilities. Our team works individually with families to create care plans for allergies and specific medical needs. With a staff fully certified in CPR and First Aid, we are prepared to respond effectively and calmly to any emergency.

Question 19

Can I visit or observe the classroom?

Accepted Answer

We welcome and encourage parent visits. Transparency is important to us; scheduled observation windows and family engagement events are built into our program calendar throughout the year.

Question 20

How do you communicate with parents about my child's progress?

Accepted Answer

We believe in total transparency and strong partnerships with our families. We use Brightwheel, a premier parent-communication app, to provide real-time updates throughout the day. You’ll receive check-ins regarding:
Daily activities and photos
Feeding and meal times
Nap schedules and diaper changes
Developmental milestones and progress reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Common Babyfe FAQ