Why Open Arms
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a nurturing and safe environment for the development of children and families in the community through a loving, Christ-centered, Bible-based childcare, preschool, private kindergarten, and after-school program.
Play Based, Child Focused, Christ-Centered
We integrate faith-based teachings with play and exploration, allowing children to learn and grow at their own pace. The curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate, fostering creativity and critical thinking while rooted in Christian values. The focus is on nurturing the whole child—spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically.
Philosophy
Open Arms Christian Academy 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.
Everything Your Child Needs to Thrive
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, Christmas Program, family dinners, 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.
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.
Helping Children Develop Essential Life Skills
A preschool or childcare experience is often a child’s first time away from home and an important step toward building independence and confidence. In a warm, loving, and nurturing environment, children learn to trust and build relationships with caring adults and peers. Through learning, play, and shared experiences, children develop important social skills such as cooperation, communication, and respect for others. Our programs are designed to support each child’s individual strengths and abilities while encouraging them to learn, grow, and thrive as part of a community.
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.
SPECIALIZED STAFF
Open Arms has specialized teachers for Physical Education and Faith.
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.
LARGE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PLAY SPACE
Our indoor play space, “The Big Room,” allows children to enjoy large motor activities and active play even during inclement weather. We also have three large outdoor playgrounds, specially designed for infants through school age, providing safe, age-appropriate spaces for children to run, climb, explore, and develop important gross motor skills.
Certified and Accredited
Open Arms Christian Child Development Center is accredited by the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) program and the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE), reflecting our commitment to providing a high-quality, Christ-centered educational environment. These accreditations support our ongoing dedication to excellence, continuous improvement, and the spiritual and academic development of every child.
