571-200-5544
Rise and Shine Kidz
Monica and Alex Downs
Founders
Monica and Alex Downs started Rise and Shine Prek in 2013 to address the needs of the community parents looking for a child care center with a "family feel" instead of a corporate feel. The center has grown to two locations in Fairfax City.
The Rise and Shine Kidz summer program was started to provide elementary school age children a safe environment filled with fun activities during the summer months when elementary schools are closed.
It has been a successful program that fills to capacity very quickly with many kids returning the following summer.
Monica is very active with parents to ensure their peace of mind and that children are having fun learning.
Monica has two children and two dogs. She loves the beach and the outdoors.
Andrea Rasmussen
Director
Andrea Rasmussen is a long time Fairfax City resident where she and her husband have raised their two sons.
A graduate of College of New Rochelle with a degree in Communications, Andrea also has a Certification in Youth and Family Ministries from Wartburg Seminary.
Andrea has worked with and for families in Northern Virginia churches as a Youth Director, for local non-profits as a Case Manager and Program Manager, a family law firm and as tutor in area middle and high schools.
Andrea also spent a number of years as a youth soccer Coach and Team Manager. Andrea is excited to work with a new type of program important for working parents at Rise and Shine Kidz.
Elementary School aged children are very sensitive and need encouragement to stay interested in a range of subjects and activities. Covid has upset the structured programming of many families so its important for our team to offer a fun and safe place for kids as they get used to new rules of social distancing and wearing masks.
Andrea is a member of her local American Legion Auxiliary and sings with Fairfax Choral Society.