Preschool Prep
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Multi-Week School Readiness Program
Ready for your little one’s big step into preschool? Prepare them with the Virginia Discovery Museum’s multi-week preschool readiness program for children ages 2 to 4 and an adult caregiver, led by Courtney Edmund, a former teacher and the Museum’s Education Manager, and Emily Pearcy, the Museum’s Programs and Administrative Coordinator. Preschool Prep combines fun and learning to explore the essential skills toddlers will need for preschool success. While children ease into gentle separation; exercise fine motor skills; and develop social-emotional skills for self-regulation and communication, relationship-building and cooperation, and responsible decision-making, parents and caregivers will learn from professionals in different early childhood specialties, gaining best practices, helpful tips, and practical ideas to support their children.
Program Details | Upcoming | General Policies | FAQs | Contact
Upcoming Series
General Policies
Program Participants
- Program participants with any of these symptoms are asked to refrain from visiting the Museum.
- Parents/Guardians must Check-In at the front desk before heading to the Creation Station program room.
- No food, gum, or drinks are allowed in the Museum, except water bottles.
Check-In & Check-Out
- 9:25-9:30 a.m.: Arrival & Check-In
- Parents/Guardians must check in at the front desk before heading to the Creation Station program room.
- 9:30-11:30 a.m.: Class Instruction & Activities
- Preschool Prep includes activities and time in both the Museum galleries and Creation Station program room.
- 11:30 a.m.: Wind-Down & Check-Out
- All participant families are welcome to stay and play in the Museum galleries after the end of class if they wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Germ Concerns
Will VDM be open for general admission during Preschool Prep?
Both VDM galleries will be open for general admission during Preschool Prep, but the Creation Station program room will only be open to program participants.
Who else will be in the program room during Preschool Prep?
At least two VDM staff members will be present with the children while a guest presenter will speak with parents and caregivers.
How often is the Museum cleaned?
The Museum is cleaned daily, and a crew will be on site after the Museum closes to clean and sanitize.
Registration & Waitlists
What if the Preschool Prep class I want to participate in has filled?
Preschool Prep classes have a maximum capacity of 10 children. If you have an interest in a class that is full, please contact Education Manager Courtney Edmund at courtney@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x106 to add your child's name to the waitlist. In the event of a cancellation, those on the waitlist will be contacted in the order their requests were received.
Financial Assistance
Does VDM offer financial assistance for Preschool Prep?
In accordance with the Museum’s mission, VDM does offer a limited number of scholarships for all of its programs, including Preschool Prep. For information about applying for a scholarship, contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at operationsdirector@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x102.
Annual Members
How do I apply my 10% annual member discount?
To apply this discount to program registrations made online, you must have an active annual membership and will need to create a Website User Account and link it to your membership record by following these instructions. If you have already created a Website User Account, click the registration link for the program you wish to register for and sign in using the link at the top of the registration page. If you need help applying your 10% discount when using our online order forms, please contact Visitor Services Manager Matt Berman at matt@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x103.
How do I set up my Website User Account?
You can follow the instructions here or contact Visitor Services Manager Matt Berman at matt@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x103.
Did I successfully link my Website User Account and membership?
Contact Visitor Services Manager Matt Berman at matt@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x103, and we’ll make sure everything is all set.
Cancellations & Refunds
What is VDM’s cancellation and refund policy Preschool Prep?
A minimum of 5 children is required for a class series to run. If a class series is canceled by the Museum due to insufficient enrollment or other extenuating circumstances, the registration fee will be refunded to all registrants.
Individual cancellations must be made at least 5 days before the program start date to be eligible for a refund. If an individual cancellation causes the program roster to fall below the required minimum, the refund will be contingent upon the vacancy being filled. If an individual cancellation is made within 5 days of the program start date, the registration fee will be forfeited. No refunds will be issued after a program begins.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Where can I park to attend this program myself or to drop off and pick up a child and caregiver who are participating?
The Market Street Garage (550 E Market Street) and Water Street Garage (200 E Water Street) provide the first hour of parking for free, then charge $1 per half hour (or portion thereof) before capping at $12 maximum. Both locations use pay-by-plate technology through the Metropolis App, which requires visitors to create an account with their name, phone number or email address, license plate number, and a form of contactless payment. Museum guests receive an additional hour of free parking – for a total of two hours – when they scan the validation QR code at the Museum. The Museum is also located next to the Downtown Transit Station, and Charlottesville Area Transit offers a Free Trolley that stops at the station as it travels through Downtown and the University of Virginia. Click to learn more about parking downtown or more about public bus routes and fares.
Click the icon in the upper left corner for map legend and details.
Does Preschool Prep include gallery playtime?
Preschool Prep includes activities and time in both the Museum galleries and Creation Station program room. Additionally, all participant families are welcome to stay and play in the Museum after the end of class if they wish.
Contact Us
To learn more about Preschool Prep, contact Education Manager Courtney Edmund at courtney@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x106. For scholarship information, contact Director of Operations Lindsay Jones at operationsdirector@vadm.org or (434) 977-1025 x102.