About Us

Potomac Valley Academy Daycare and Preschool is a non-profit, Christ-centered ministry. PVADP is a licensed childcare facility (license # 89002) that operates under the guidance of MSDE Office of Childcare. Our dedicated, caregivers provide a warm, caring, and positive atmosphere. We encourage each child to reach their full potential in a Christian setting of security, love, and acceptance.

We also participate in MD Excel. We are currently at level 3.

"Maryland EXCELS is the state’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed child care and early education programs that meet nationally recognized quality standards. Maryland EXCELS promotes quality by awarding ratings to the following programs: Child Care Centers, School-Age Child Care Programs, Family Child Care Homes, and Public Prekindergarten programs. These ratings are available to families, allowing them to make informed choices concerning the care of their children. Programs earn quality ratings that form a pathway to excellence. A rating of 1 is awarded to providers and programs that successfully meet initial requirements. A rating of 5 is granted to those with the highest level of quality and who are state or nationally accredited."

We also participate in the MD credentialing program.

"The Maryland Child Care Credential Program recognizes individual child care providers who increase their qualifications beyond the requirements of state licensing and registration regulations. There are six staff credential levels and four administrator levels offering various recognition of achievement based on a child care provider’s professional development/education, years of experience, and professional activities. The Program is voluntary. Registered family child care providers and child care center staff are encouraged to participate."

ACADEMY DAYCARE DIRECTOR

Chamise Washington

It is with great excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the new Director of Potomac Valley Academy Daycare and Preschool. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with such beautiful children, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community. I feel very fortunate to be part of this school and to support the students and families.
I have been dedicated to the field of caring for young children for more than 10 years and worked with children ranging in age from birth through Pre-K in a variety of roles. In addition, I bring with me Director and Asst Director experience. Most recently, I have served as the kindergarten readiness lead teacher here at PVADP. I am thrilled to bring my skills as an advocate for young children and to work with you as a partner in education to ensure your child's success.
On a personal note, my husband and I live in Falling Waters, WV. We have 4 children and 2 very big and very loveable pit bulls! I’m also a proud MiMi of two! I gave my life to Christ as I was baptized in 2019. I am a member of the Potomac Valley Assembly of God and serve on the greeting and Kingdom Kids’ ministries. Although I have always felt at home in the classroom, God is now calling me to fulfill this leadership role. I will work collaboratively with teachers daily while remaining connected to young students learning and growing in the classroom. I can assure you that I share this school’s commitment to caring for your children in a loving, Christian environment.
I firmly believe that every child can excel and that the partnership between home and preschool builds their confidence. My door is always open to you. I bring a belief that students and God are at the center of all school-related decisions. I am excited to unite my experience, my openness to learn, and my child-centered approach to PVADP.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR  (Morning Shift)

Carol Mikoni

My name is Carol, and I am the eldest of 7 siblings. My father was in the Air Force, so we lived in several states as well as overseas in Spain. I received my BS in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and my master’s in education administration from Trinity College. I began my career in education by teaching first grade. It was always my dream to teach younger children. I married my high school sweetheart and now husband of 48 years. After 7 years of marriage, we were blessed with the birth of our son. I was fortunate to stay home with our son for 3 years before returning to teaching. Upon returning to work, I became a second-grade teacher. I taught at that level for 10 years before accepting a position as principal. As principal, I had the opportunity to work with children in kindergarten through eighth grade. It was truly a blessing to work with not only the younger children but the older students as well. I came to enjoy working with the older students, and I realized they really do need educators who love and understand them every bit as much as the younger students do! I retired after 15 years as principal. However, my retirement lasted all of one summer. I was called to be involved in early childhood education and applied here at PVA. I have worked here at PVA since 2009 and have had the pleasure of working with different ages. What a great experience! I began assisting in the Inchworm class and then became the lead teacher in that room. I have worked as the co-teacher in the Discoverer classroom for several years, and now it is my pleasure to serve as the Assistant Director for the morning shift. In my position, I work with all the children. I manage the center’s library by providing books to our classrooms. I assist the director and teachers as needed. It is my responsibility to mentor teachers and assist them in planning. My position continues to evolve as we seek to meet the ever-changing needs of the Academy.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR  (Afternoon Shift)

Cynthia Ankomah

My name is Cynthia Ankomah. I am married and have two lovely boys, ages 17 and 14. I have been working with children all my life. I moved here from New York after living there for 30 years. While there, I was a Head Start teacher and loved every minute of it! I have been working at PVA for about 5 years. I am the lead teacher in the Discoverer classroom as well as the Assistant Director for the afternoon shift. I look forward to working with you and your children! God Bless!