Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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