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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Schedule Options
About Bundle of Joy Preschool in Ashland, VA
Bundle of Joy’s childcare and preschool program is designed to serve the needs of the child and family. We recognize ourselves as partners to the parents, working together to help encourage each child to progress at his/her own pace. Our staff encourages positive self-confidence, self-esteem, competence in self-help skills and those inner controls and language abilities necessary for effective social interaction.
Our programs emphasize the process of learning and discovery. Daily activities are designed to encourage children to act upon their environment. We provide an environment rich in materials to explore, manipulate and discuss. Children are guided to question, to discover, to think and to reason. No single area of development is stressed above another. Bundle of Joy promotes the growth of the whole child, emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually.
The best way to describe Bundle of Joy at the present time is that we are focused on excellence in quality of care, education and best practice in the area of early childhood education. We work with state and local agencies, other local preschools and early education programs, as well as higher education programs to help us evaluate our programs. We create a learning community where children develop skills as building blocks to the next level of education.
Our Programs
Bundle of Joy provides Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten and Afterschool care services to approximately 600 children and employs approximately 125 staff members. We are and continue to remain focused on ways to best meet the needs of the families of Virginia. When you visit any of our schools you will quickly see we are not a daycare. We are very much a school offering structure and opportunities for creativity. With the help and partnership of our families and wonderful, dedicated staff members, we are able to do what we love to do each day by providing a place where children can grow and learn while they are in a safe and nurturing environment.
We believe that developmentally appropriate early childhood experiences foster wonder and a life-long love of learning. We also believe that children build upon their existing knowledge through inquiry and shared experiences. Therefore, we strive to provide authentic learning opportunities through creativity and purposeful play.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer
Big Fun. Little Players. Growing Confidence.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer is a high-energy enrichment program designed to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate soccer play. Led by the teachers your child already knows and trusts, it’s seamlessly built into the school day.
Program Highlights:
- Designed for ages 3–5
- 12-week program (once per week)
- 40–50 minute sessions
- Builds balance, coordination, and motor skills
- Encourages listening, teamwork, and confidence
- No prior soccer experience needed
- Integrated into your child’s daily schedule
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
Kids Café Preschool Cooking Program
Cooking Up Confidence, One Recipe at a Time
Kids Café is a hands-on cooking program where children explore new foods, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through fun, guided kitchen experiences.
Program Highlights:
- Designed for ages 3+
- Weekly sessions over a 12-week program
- Hands-on cooking activities and kid-friendly recipes
- Builds teamwork, sharing, and communication skills
- Encourages problem-solving and following directions
- Supports early math, literacy, and critical thinking
- Includes a take-home cooking kit for continued fun
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
Award Winning Childcare in Ashland, VA
We are proud to have been voted Best Child Care by readers of the Richmond Times Dispatch every year from 2019-2023!
Programs Offered
Infant Care
Our infant care program invites children starting at the age of six weeks up to 18 months. Though leaving your little one for the first time is a big step, our nurturing environment is designed to feel just like a home away from home. Choosing our program ensures your baby receives personalized attention that supports their earliest developmental milestones.
Toddler Care
Our toddler care program invites children starting at 12 months up to 3 years old. Though toddlers are full of boundless energy, our environment is designed to channel that curiosity into safe exploration. Choosing a program that balances hands-on learning with guided play is a key step in fostering your child’s emerging independence.
Preschool
Our preschool program invites children starting at 3 years up to 5 years old. Though we introduce early academic concepts, we believe that learning happens naturally through open-ended play. Choosing our preschool environment helps build the essential “I can do it” confidence that serves as a foundation for their future education.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Though the focus shifts to kindergarten readiness, we ensure the preparation remains engaging and stress-free. Choosing our specialized curriculum ensures your child is academically and socially prepared for a smooth transition to elementary school.
School-Age Program
Our school-age program invites children starting from kindergarten up to 12 years old. Though the school day ends, our support continues with structured before and after school care. Choosing this program provides a safe space for homework and relaxation that fits perfectly with your family’s busy routine.
Our infant care program invites children starting at the age of six weeks up to 18 months. Though leaving your little one for the first time is a big step, our nurturing environment is designed to feel just like a home away from home. Choosing our program ensures your baby receives personalized attention that supports their earliest developmental milestones.
Our toddler care program invites children starting at 12 months up to 3 years old. Though toddlers are full of boundless energy, our environment is designed to channel that curiosity into safe exploration. Choosing a program that balances hands-on learning with guided play is a key step in fostering your child’s emerging independence.
Our preschool program invites children starting at 3 years up to 5 years old. Though we introduce early academic concepts, we believe that learning happens naturally through open-ended play. Choosing our preschool environment helps build the essential “I can do it” confidence that serves as a foundation for their future education.
Our Pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Though the focus shifts to kindergarten readiness, we ensure the preparation remains engaging and stress-free. Choosing our specialized curriculum ensures your child is academically and socially prepared for a smooth transition to elementary school.
Our school-age program invites children starting from kindergarten up to 12 years old. Though the school day ends, our support continues with structured before and after school care. Choosing this program provides a safe space for homework and relaxation that fits perfectly with your family’s busy routine.
Our Team
Alicia Nistler
School Director
I’ve worked in childcare for 22 years as an Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, Curriculum Director, Summer Camp Coordinator, Assistant Director, Director, Regional Program Director and Director of Outdoor Classrooms. I have worked with children of all ages, from newborn through School Age but spent the majority of my time working with Toddlers before working in management. I am a step mom to two wonderful girls, ages 21 and 17 and also a mom to two wonderful boys, ages 8 and 5. While enjoying our many years of parenting, we are also now enjoying the grandparent life with our 9 month old granddaughter. We live on 24 acres with the boys and our 3 dogs with hopes of beginning to homestead in the next few years. Some of my favorite things about working in childcare are seeing the children smiling all day, helping them when they master a new skill and to see the look on their face when they realize they did. Working in childcare has been the second most rewarding job in my life next to raising my own step children and biological children.
Ms. Ilenia
Teacher of the Year
I am a Pre-K teacher at Bundle of Joy and Italian instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). I have been teaching since 2019 and hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English and American Literature. I am from Italy, and I love teaching and working with kids. I enjoy helping young children learn and grow through fun, hands-on activities that spark their curiosity and creativity. I work hard to create a caring and welcoming classroom where every child feels important and excited to learn. Seeing their smiles and progress inspires me every day and makes teaching so special to me.
Childcare Schedule Options That Work With Your Life
Every family’s routine is unique — and your childcare should be too. With Cadence Education, our Family of Schools may offer various schedule options designed to fit your life.
Each of our school’s are unique, and may not offer all of the options listed below. Talk with your School Director to learn what options are available for your family.
FlexiPass — New Flexible Care Option!
When schedules change, or the grandparents cancel, or life just gets busy, FlexiPass gives you five prepaid days of care that you can use whenever* you need them, one at a time or all at once. No registration fees. No ongoing tuition. Just dependable care when you need it most.
