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About Us

Quality In-home Childcare Since 2009

Tender Steps Child Care is a year-round home-based program in Alexandria, VA, run by Sangeeta Rani. We care for children as young as 8 weeks through 6 years. We provide meals and offer a peanut and tree-nut free environment.

Meet the Owner/Operator

SANGEETA RANI
Hello everyone! My name is Sangeeta Rani and I am the state licensed provider and owner here at Tender Steps Childcare LLC. My experience and love for childcare spans over two decades! I first began my journey as a teacher at Kindercare Learning Center from 2000-2009 working with children from the age ranges of infants to school-age. Since then, I have opened up my own daycare and have been in practice for almost 15 years! My current certifications, which are annually renewed, include Virginia Medication Administration Training (MAT), CPR, and First Aid. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and daughter. I can’t wait to meet all of my future new students and their families!
What Sets Us Apart

Our Benefits

Tender Steps Childcare offers numerous benefits that cater specifically to the needs of both children and parents.

Personalized Care

Tender Steps Childcare provides a cozy, familial environment where children receive personalized care and attention in smaller groups, fostering a sense of security and trust.

Always There for You

Parents appreciate the direct communication and close relationship with us, ensuring transparency and peace of mind about your child’s well-being and development throughout the day.

Safe and Fun Environment

Tender Steps Childcare combines the comfort of home with professional childcare, creating a nurturing environment conducive to a child’s growth and happiness.

Learning Through Play

Early childhood learning through play is not just enjoyable; it’s essential for holistic development. Play provides young children with opportunities to explore their environment, experiment with materials, and interact socially.

Care & Education

In our in-home daycare, we prioritize nurturing a safe and stimulating environment tailored for children aged 8 months to 6 years old. Our educational approach blends structured learning with creative play, fostering both cognitive and social development. Each day is filled with age-appropriate activities that encourage curiosity and growth, such as storytelling, music, art, and outdoor exploration. We believe in the importance of individualized attention, ensuring each child receives personalized care that supports their unique needs and interests. Our goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where children feel secure, happy, and excited to learn each day.

“The curriculum at Tender Steps Childcare is thoughtfully structured, blending educational activities with play in a way that engages and educates the children effectively. I have been particularly impressed with the variety of activities offered, from arts and crafts to early literacy and numeracy exercises.”

— Allison G., Tender Steps Parent Since 2021
Food & Drinks

We Provide

We provide healthy food, drinks and snacks.

Hot/Cold Breakfast

8:00 — 8:30 am

Morning Snack

10:00 — 10:15 am

Lunch

11:15 am — 12:00 pm

Afternoon Snack

3:00 pm

Our Daily Schedule

Arrival/Group Activities

7:30 — 7:50 am

Handwashing

7:50 — 8:00 am

Breakfast

8:00 — 8:30 am

Cleaning Up

8:30 — 8:45 am

Bathroom/Diapering and Free Play

8:45— 9:15 am

Cirlce Time and Story Time

9:15— 9:45 am

Bathroom/Handwashing/Diapering and Free Play

9:45— 10:00 am

Morning Snack

10:00 — 10:15 am

Group Activities and Art

10:15 — 10:45 am

Outdoor Play (If weather permits)

10:45 — 11:15 am

Bathroom/Handwashing/Diapering

11:15 — 11:30 am

Lunch

11:30 am — 12:00 pm

Bathroom/Handwashing/Diapering and Free Play

12:00 — 12:30 pm

Naptime

12:30 — 2:45 pm

Bathroom/Handwashing/Diapering and Free Play

2:45 — 3:15 pm

Afternoon Snack

3:15 — 3:30 pm

Music Time

3:30 — 4:00 pm

Circle Time and Story Time

4:00 — 4:30 pm

Bathroom/Handwashing/Diapering and Free Play

4:30 — 5:00 pm

Departure

5:00 — 5:30 pm

Tuition/Registration Fees

Registration Fee

A one time $100.00 registration fee is due upon registering your child at Tender Steps.

Late Tuition Fee

Weekly tuition is due every Monday. A late fee will be applied by the end of the business day on Tuesday.

Late Pick-Up Fee

A $5.00 fee will be added for every five (5) minutes after 5:30pm.

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