At JumpStart Child Development Center, our teachers are more than caregivers — they are dedicated professionals committed to your child's growth and well-being. Each staff member is a certified caregiver, trained in CPR and First Aid, and participates in ongoing professional development.
Our teachers build trust and create a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where every child can thrive.
✅ Certified Caregivers🩺 CPR & First Aid📚 Ongoing Development
Our child development center is located at 21 Mohican Drive in Portsmouth, VA. We'd love to show you around our bright, welcoming classrooms and safe outdoor play area.
Come see why Portsmouth families trust JumpStart Child Development Center with their most precious children!
Real families, real results — Portsmouth loves JumpStart Child Development Center
★★★★★
JumpStart Child Development Center has been amazing for our daughter. She comes home excited to tell us everything she learned. The teachers are so caring and the environment is so warm and positive.
— Portsmouth Parent
★★★★★
My son started at JumpStart Child Development Center at age 2 and blossomed into a confident, ready kindergartener. The Frog Street curriculum really works and the staff genuinely love these children.
— Portsmouth Parent
Ready to Give Your Child a JumpStart?
Enroll today and join the JumpStart family — where every child learns, grows, and thrives!
Our high-quality child development center is state-licensed and ready to give your child a jumpstart on their education! We provide a well-trained staff, USDA-certified hot meals, and a cheerful, nurturing environment for children 2 years old and up. We uphold the highest standards of safety, security, cleanliness, teaching, and loving care.
About Our Center
📋 Enrollment & Eligibility
JumpStart Child Development Center welcomes children from 2 years old up to twelve years, eleven months. Our full-time program provides 10 hours of care per day, five days per week. Care needed beyond this schedule will incur an extended care fee.
🌍 Our Diversity Commitment
At JumpStart, we embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We welcome families of all faiths, ethnic origins, and races, while also recognizing that diversity includes differences in physical, cognitive, and social abilities.
Our Curriculum Approach
Each child learns at their own pace and rhythm
🐸 Frog Street Pre-K Curriculum
At JumpStart Child Development Center, children achieve their goals through many small steps taken almost playfully. We use the Frog Street Pre-K Curriculum blended with Creative Curriculum — weekly theme-based learning that nurtures children's interests as they grow, supporting kindergarten readiness for every child.
🎯 Our Focus Areas
📖 Language & Literacy95%
🔢 Math & Shapes90%
🧠 Social-Emotional98%
🔬 Science & STEAM85%
🎨 Arts & Motor Skills92%
🌍 Diversity & Inclusion100%
Our Diversity Practices
🤝
Family Traditions
During enrollment, families are encouraged to share their home traditions to enrich our classroom environment.
💰
Subsidy Support
We collaborate with Child Care Network and the State of Virginia to ensure families eligible for tuition assistance have access to high-quality care.
📚
Diverse Materials
Our teachers integrate props, books, and materials that reflect diversity into all classroom learning environments every single day.
🔴 Center Closed🟡 Early Close🟢 Center Event🔵 PPS School Date🟣 Awareness Month
📅 Full School Year Calendar
Click any season to expand
☀️ Summer 2026 — June · July · August▶
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June 2026
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July 2026
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August 2026
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☀️ Summer 2026 — Events Detail
JUN
1
No School-Age Program — Transition Week
No school-age program June 1–7. Toddler 2 & Pre-K programs continue as normal. Summer Camp begins June 8.
JUN
8
☀️ Summer Camp 2026 Begins!
Summer Camp kicks off for all school-age children. Fun activities, field trips, and learning all summer long!
JUN
18
Father's Day Craft Day 🎨
Children create special handmade gifts and cards for Father's Day — celebrated on Thursday before the long weekend!
JUN
16
First Summer Field Trip!
First summer field trip for school-age campers. Details shared with enrolled families.
JUN
19
Juneteenth Celebration — Center Closed Jun 19–22
Cultural learning day celebrating Juneteenth. Center closed June 19–22 (Observed).
JUL
3
Center Closed — Independence Day (Jul 3–6)
Center closed July 3–6 in observance of Independence Day.
AUG
11
Last Summer Field Trip
Final summer field trip of the season for all school-age campers!
AUG
12
End of Summer Party & Last Day of Camp
End of Summer Party + Last Day of Summer Camp 2026!
AUG
17
Fall In-Service Week — Center Closed (Aug 17–21)
Center closed August 17–21 for staff training and professional development.
AUG
24
First Day of School! 🎒
Portsmouth Public Schools 2026–2027 first day! All age groups return.
🍂 Fall 2026 (September – November)▶
ClosedEventPPSAwarenessEarly Close
September 2026
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October 2026
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November 2026
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Events Detail
SEP
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Center Closed — Labor Day Weekend
Center closed Friday September 4 and Monday September 7 for Labor Day.
OCT
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Center Closed — Indigenous Peoples Day
Center closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.
OCT
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PPS Professional Development Day
Portsmouth Public Schools closed Oct 30–Nov 2. Center open for all children.
NOV
11
Center Closed — Veterans Day
Center closed in honor of all who have served.
NOV
25
Early Close — Thanksgiving Eve (12:00 PM)
Center closes early at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, November 25.
NOV
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Center Closed — Thanksgiving Break (Nov 26–27)
Center closed Thursday Nov 26 and Friday Nov 27.
❄️ Winter 2026–2027 (December – February)▶
ClosedEventPPSAwareness
December 2026
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24Xmas Eve
25Christmas
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30Xmas Break
31New Year's Eve
January 2027
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5PPS Prof. Dev.
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February 2027
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Events Detail
DEC
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Center Closed — Christmas Break (Dec 21–Jan 1)
Center closed December 21, 2026 through January 1, 2027. Happy Holidays!
JAN
4
Center Reopens — Happy New Year!
Welcome back! JumpStart Child Development Center reopens January 4, 2027.
JAN
18
Center Closed — MLK Jr. Day
Center closed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
FEB
15
Center Closed — Presidents Day
Center closed in observance of Presidents Day.
🌸 Spring 2027 (March – June)▶
ClosedEventPPSAwareness
March 2027
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April 2027
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May 2027
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June 2027
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Events Detail
MAR
22
World Down Syndrome Day 🩵
We celebrate and honor children and individuals with Down Syndrome. (Moved to Monday, Mar 22)
APR
9
Center Closed — Spring In-Service (Apr 9–10)
Center closed April 9–10 for spring staff training.
APR
22
Earth Day Celebration
Our classrooms celebrate with nature activities, gardening, and environmental awareness.
MAY
7
Mother's Day Craft Day 💐
Children create special handmade gifts and cards for Mother's Day — celebrated on Friday, May 7, the last school day before Mother's Day weekend.
MAY
28
Center Closed — Memorial Day Weekend
Center closed Friday May 28 and Monday May 31.
JUN
11
Last Day of School — PPS 2026–2027
Last day of Portsmouth Public Schools 2026–2027 school year.
JUN
18
Center Closed — Juneteenth (Jun 18–21)
Center closed June 18–21, 2027 in observance of Juneteenth.
📌 Center Closure Policy: JumpStart Child Development Center is open year-round; however, the Center observes holidays, early closings, and staff development/in-service days. Parents will be notified in advance of all scheduled closings.
The Center reserves the right to close for up to 15 additional days per fiscal year for staff training, professional development, deep cleaning, or unforeseen emergencies.
Tuition remains due for all holidays, training days, and emergency closures.
Holiday Observance Rule: If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed the following Monday.
👩🏫 Our Team
Meet Our Amazing Staff
Dedicated Professionals Who Care
Every teacher at JumpStart Child Development Center is certified, CPR trained, and passionate about early childhood
What Makes Our Staff Special
At JumpStart Child Development Center, our teachers are more than caregivers — they are dedicated professionals committed to your child's growth and well-being. Each staff member is a certified caregiver, trained in CPR and First Aid, and participates in ongoing professional development.
Most importantly, our teachers know how to connect with children, building trust and creating a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where every child can thrive.
✅ Certified Caregivers🩺 CPR & First Aid📚 Ongoing Dev🎓 Early Childhood Ed
Toddler 2 Teacher
🟡 Two's Program
✅ CPR Certified🎓 Early Childhood Ed
Pre-K 3 Lead Teacher
🟢 Pre-K Program
✅ CPR Certified📚 Frog Street Trained
Pre-K 4 Lead Teacher
🟢 Pre-K Program
✅ CPR Certified🎓 K-Ready Trained
After School Teacher
🔴 School Age Program
✅ CPR Certified🏃 Activity Trained
We're Hiring!
Join our amazing team at JumpStart Child Development Center
Are you passionate about early childhood education? We'd love to have you on our team!
Join a team that nurtures young minds every day. We're looking for passionate educators!
🧒 Teacher Assistant — Pre-K
Part-Time / Full-Time$12 – $14/hr
📍 Location & Schedule
21 Mohican Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701 · Monday–Friday, hours vary
📋 Responsibilities
Assist lead teachers with daily classroom activities and lesson plans
Supervise children during playtime, meals, and transitions
Maintain a safe, organized, and nurturing classroom environment
Communicate positively with parents and families
Support children's social-emotional development
📌 Requirements: High school diploma or GED required. Prior childcare or teaching experience preferred. Must pass background check. CPR/First Aid certification a plus.
📋 Application — Teacher Assistant Pre-K
🎓 Lead Teacher / Pre-K Teacher
Full-Time$14 – $17/hr
📍 Location & Schedule
21 Mohican Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701 · Monday–Friday, Full-Time
📋 Responsibilities
Plan and implement age-appropriate lesson plans using Frog Street Pre-K curriculum
Create a warm, structured, and engaging classroom environment
Observe and document child development progress
Maintain positive, professional relationships with families
Participate in required professional development and in-service training days
Meet all VDSS licensing requirements
📌 Requirements: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred. Minimum 2 years in a licensed childcare setting. Must pass background check and have current CPR/First Aid.
📋 Application — Lead Teacher / Pre-K Teacher
Don't See the Right Position?
We're always looking for passionate educators to join our growing team. Send us your resume and we'll keep it on file!
Click any question to expand the answer. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us!
📋 Enrollment & Registration▼
What ages does JumpStart Child Development Center serve?▼
JumpStart Child Development Center serves children 2 years old and up. Our programs include Toddler 2 (age 2), Pre-K 3 (age 3), Pre-K 4 (ages 4–5), Before & After School, and Summer Camp.
How do I enroll my child?▼
Simply fill out our Enrollment Inquiry Form online. Our team will contact you within 1–2 business days to schedule an in-person tour and walk you through the enrollment paperwork.
Is there a registration fee?▼
Yes, a registration fee is required to hold your child's spot. This fee is non-refundable. Please contact us for current fee amounts: (757) 488-6174.
What documents are needed to enroll?▼
Required documents typically include: birth certificate, up-to-date immunization records, physical/health form, emergency contact information, and any custody documents if applicable. Our staff will guide you through the full checklist.
Do you accept children mid-year?▼
Yes! We accept enrollments year-round based on availability. Contact us to check current openings in your child's age group.
🏫 Programs & Schedule▼
What programs are available?▼
We offer: Toddler 2 (age 2), Pre-K 3 (age 3), Pre-K 4 (ages 4–5, kindergarten readiness), Before & After School (school-age children), and Summer Camp.
What are your hours of operation?▼
JumpStart Child Development Center is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on major holidays. See our Calendar for full closure details.
Do you offer before and after school care?▼
Yes! Our Before & After School program serves school-age children attending Portsmouth Public Schools. We provide transportation coordination, homework help, and enrichment activities.
What happens on PPS school holidays or in-service days?▼
JumpStart Child Development Center remains open on most PPS holidays and in-service days so working parents have care. Check our Calendar for specific dates when the center is open while PPS is closed.
💰 Tuition & Payment▼
How much does tuition cost?▼
Tuition rates vary by program and schedule. Please contact us directly at (757) 488-6174 or fill out our enrollment inquiry for current rates.
When is tuition due?▼
Tuition is due weekly in advance, typically on Monday. Late payments may be subject to a late fee. Please refer to your enrollment agreement for full payment terms.
Is tuition still owed during holidays or center closures?▼
Yes. Tuition remains due for all scheduled holidays, staff training/in-service days, and any emergency closures as outlined in your enrollment agreement.
Do you accept Child Care Subsidy or VA Vouchers?▼
Yes! JumpStart Child Development Center works with families receiving Child Care Subsidy assistance through the Virginia DSS Child Care Subsidy Program. Contact us to learn more about applying and how we can help.
📚 Curriculum & Learning▼
What curriculum do you use?▼
Our Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 classrooms use Frog Street Pre-K, a research-based curriculum focused on kindergarten readiness, social-emotional development, literacy, math, science/STEAM, and family engagement.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?▼
Our Pre-K 4 program is specifically designed for kindergarten readiness. Children develop literacy and math foundations, social-emotional skills, fine motor abilities, and classroom routines that prepare them for a successful kindergarten transition.
How do you communicate progress with parents?▼
We use observation portfolios, developmental checklists, and regular parent-teacher communication. Teachers share updates on your child's learning milestones, social development, and areas of growth throughout the year.
Do you support children with special needs or English Language Learners?▼
Yes. Our teachers are trained in differentiated instruction and inclusive practices. We support Dual Language Learners (DLL/ELL) and work collaboratively with families and specialists to ensure every child thrives.
🛡️ Health, Safety & General▼
Is JumpStart Child Development Center licensed?▼
Yes. JumpStart Child Development Center is fully licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and meets all state health and safety requirements.
What is your sick child policy?▼
For the health and safety of all children and staff, sick children must stay home. Children may not return until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without medication, or provide a doctor's note clearing them to return.
What meals do you provide?▼
We participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are provided. Families are notified of menus and any allergy accommodations are discussed at enrollment.
How do I reach someone during the day?▼
Call us at (757) 488-6174 during office hours (Mon–Fri, 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM), or email jumpstartcreativechildcenter@gmail.com. You can also use our Message Us form.
📬 Get in Touch
Contact JumpStart Child Development Center
We'd Love to Hear From You
Have a question, want to schedule a tour, or just want to say hello? Reach out — we're here!
