More than half of the children who start at the Center haven't had the chance to build block towers with friends, draw pictures, or have stories read aloud – ordinary experiences that stimulate children's curiosity, love of books, and social skills essential for success in school. Fortunately, preschool-age children from low-income, working families can have these experiences in the Children's Center's early education program. Guided by trained preschool teachers and playing alongside classmates whose families may also have immigrated, children quickly build vital language, social, and cognitive skills. Those who need special help receive services to get them over developmental hurdles and on track for school. By the time they leave for kindergarten, more than 85% have skills at expected levels and those with ongoing delays have a plan for continued services. Let's give these children the strong start they deserve.

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Falls Church

Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Adult (25-49)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Students; ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members

Schools They Work In: Our Children's Center is located in a dedicated wing of Lemon Road Elementary School, a Fairfax County Public School, where children who are residents of Fairfax County and have special needs can attend half-day Special Education preschool classes. Children with other special needs may attend Pimmit Hills Resource Center. ; Children with special needs who are residents of Falls Church City attend the half-day program at Mount Daniel Elementary School when public schools are in session. Transportation is provided by the public schools' systems as needed.


  • Number of Books Read to Children Each Year at the Children's Center:   7,650
  • Number of children we prepare for success in school annually:   100
  • Number of Hours of Speech Therapy or other services children with special needs receive each year.:   2510
  • Number of healthy meals and nutritious snacks served to children each year:   9600
  • Numbers of Hours Outdoors Getting Physical Exercise:   309,600

Awards & Recognition

Nonprofit of the Year by the McLean Chamber of Commerce, 2016

Accredited with commendations by the National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC), 2014.

Re-awarded a 4-Star Rating (out of 5 possible) in the Virginia Star Quality Initiative voluntary assessment of preschools in 2015.

Outstanding Service to Young Children Award from Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children, 2008.

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Falls Church-McLean Children's Center is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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