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.