Classes
Schedule
We offer four part-time preschool classes, based on age. Our school year runs from the second week of September through the end of May (Memorial Day), and we usually follow the vacation schedule and cancellation policies of Fairfax County Public Schools.
The Lions & Foxes classes include rising kindergartners and some older 3-year-olds. The Owls include younger 3-year-olds while the Bears is made up of 2-year-olds.
Children must reach the appropriate age for a class on or before September 30 of the current school year.
Class schedules are reviewed annually and may vary from year to year.
Bears
Our Bears class, for two year olds, has approximately 12 children with a child:adult ratio of 6:1.
Owls
Our Owls generally turn 3 years old during the preceding spring or summer.
The Owls class has approximately 12 children with a child:adult ratio of 6:1.
Lions & Foxes
Our Lions & Foxes classes are Pre-K classes consisting of 4-year-olds who will be attending kindergarten the following year and older 3-year-olds.
These classes have approximately 15 children with a child:adult ratio of 8:1.
Child-adult ratios allowed by state licensing are typically higher. Through our 50+ years of operation,
we have found that these smaller class sizes are the most beneficial for our families and our staff.
Potty Training
We recognize that potty proficiency is a developmental milestone that varies widely among children, and accidents can (and do!) happen.
Children in our Bears and Owls classes are not required to be potty-trained but are encouraged to actively work on it when appropriate.
Children in our Lions and Foxes classes should be potty-trained—though we welcome a dialogue if special circumstances come into play.
Extra Programs
Lunch Bunch
12:30 – 2:00 PM on most Mondays
(may vary from year to year)
Lunch Bunch is an optional, extended day program for children enrolled in the OWLS, LIONS & FOXES. The children in Lunch Bunch socialize with friends in other classes, eat their home-brought lunches as a group, and have the opportunity for additional outdoor or rainy day room play.
Students sign up for Lunch Bunch on a week-by-week basis. The Treasurer will add the bill for each Lunch Bunch you attend to your monthly tuition invoice.
Enrichment
12:30 – 2:30 PM on most Thursdays
(may vary from year to year)
Enrichment is an optional extended day program for children eligible to enter kindergarten the following year. The program introduces important elements, such as a longer day, communal eating, a higher demand for self-regulation and larger class size, that are instrumental in preparing children for kindergarten. The program is designed to make the most of children’s curiosity. By exploring, discovering and experimenting, we encourage early STEAM skills and expand horizons. The program also stresses early-literacy skills and a love of reading through a carefully curated selection of books, as well as reading comprehension discussions and story-writing.
Students enroll in Enrichment for the entire school year. Monthly installments appear as a line item in your monthly tuition invoice.
Summer Camp
Dulin’s Summer Camp is an elective program offered to students enrolled in the Owls, Lions, and Foxes classes and who are potty independent. The camp runs for the 2 weeks immediately following the school year on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (6 total days) from 9:30am- 1pm.
Summer Camp allows the children to experience their favorite preschool in a different way! The children are divided into two classes, each run by two Dulin teachers (no family participation is required for Summer Camp). The day is choice-based allowing the children to fluidly move between outside water stations and indoor projects, such as art, manipulatives, or imaginative play. Children bring a packed, nut-free lunch which they enjoy with all of their Summer Camp friends, often outside, if the weather permits!