Business Details
49 Years
experience
Your Trusted Preschool Partner in Richmond, VA
Founded in 1977 by Anne Long and Shirley Patterson, Gingerbread Cottage Preschool has been a trusted provider of early childhood education in Richmond, Virginia. Our mission centers on creating a nurturing environment where children aged 2.5 to 5 years develop emotional, social, and academic foundations for lifelong learning. We employ a theme-based curriculum that integrates literacy, mathematics, art, and music while emphasizing self-esteem, respect for others, and individualized attention. Our staff comprises college-educated professionals with extensive preschool teaching experience, ensuring alignment with Virginia's Standards of Learning (SOL) pre-skills. We maintain rigorous health and safety protocols, including regular handwashing practices and adherence to local health department guidelines.With two locations in Mechanicsville and Glen Allen, we offer flexible programs tailored to different developmental stages, including early drop-off and summer enrichment options. Our legacy of community partnership with local churches reflects our commitment to accessible, high-quality early education. Over 48 years, we've maintained a focus on joyful, child-centered learning while preparing students for successful kindergarten transitions. Our Handwriting Without Tears literacy program and enrichment activities like musical instruction demonstrate our holistic educational approach. Today, we continue Anne and Shirley's vision of fostering warm, engaging spaces where children thrive academically and socially.
Services
Preschool Programs
Early Drop-Off
Cottage Kids Club
Summer Fun Camp
Enrichment Programs
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We have 48 years of experience in early childhood education since 1977
- Our curriculum aligns with Virginia SOL pre-kindergarten standards
- All teachers are college graduates with specialized preschool experience
- We implement structured health and safety protocols following local guidelines
- Two convenient locations offer flexible program options for Richmond families
Associations and certifications
- Virginia Department of Education
What people say
Bright, friendly space
Passionate teachers
Confident learners
Safe school
Joyful environment
Services
Preschool Programs
Our age-specific preschool programs for 2.5-5 year olds focus on social-emotional development, pre-academic skills, and creative exploration. Using theme-based curricula and the Handwriting Without Tears program, we prepare children for kindergarten success through structured activities in literacy, mathematics, art, and music while maintaining a 1:9 teacher-student ratio.
Early Drop-Off
We offer flexible early drop-off options from 8:00-9:00 AM at Staples Mill and 8:15-9:00 AM at Mechanicsville locations. This service accommodates working families while ensuring children receive supervised care before regular program hours through structured morning activities and peer interaction opportunities.
Summer Fun Camp
Our end-of-year Summer Fun Camp provides enriching, less academic activities for 3-5 year olds. The program maintains educational continuity through themed experiences while offering age-appropriate recreational activities that promote social development and summer learning retention in a playful environment.
Enrichment Programs
Monthly theme-based enrichment days allow children to rotate through specialized classrooms, enhancing curriculum engagement through hands-on learning. These programs incorporate cultural studies, special emphasis days, and guest educational speakers to broaden learning experiences beyond regular classroom instruction.
Music Instruction
Professional music educators provide weekly instruction in songs, creative movement, and musical instruments. This program develops rhythm, coordination, and auditory skills while supporting emotional expression and group participation through age-appropriate musical activities aligned with our overall developmental curriculum.
People
Anne Long
Co-Founder
Co-founded Gingerbread Cottage Preschool in 1977 after her son's positive preschool experience. Retired from daily operations in 2007 but left a lasting legacy of child-centered education focused on individual development and academic preparation.
Shirley Patterson
Co-Founder
Co-founder with Anne Long in 1977, Shirley dedicated her career to early childhood education until her passing in 2011. She established the school's foundational philosophy emphasizing warm, engaging environments that foster both academic and social-emotional growth.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children aged 2.5 to 5 years, with separate classes for 2.5-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and Pre-K 4/5-year-olds at both locations.
Are your teachers qualified?
All our faculty members are college graduates with specialized preschool teaching experience and meet Virginia Department of Education qualifications for early childhood educators.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Our curriculum incorporates Virginia SOL pre-skills through literacy, mathematics, and science activities while emphasizing self-help skills and social development to ensure smooth kindergarten transitions.
What safety measures are in place?
We follow Virginia Department of Education health guidelines with regular handwashing routines, facility sanitization protocols, and emergency preparedness procedures to ensure child and staff safety.
Do you offer extended care options?
Yes, we provide early drop-off from 8:00-9:00 AM, Cottage Kids Club weekly extended day programs, and Summer Fun Camp at both locations based on enrollment interest.
