CURRICULUM
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The Mason Child Development Center provides a positive and nurturing learning environment that encourages the overall development of each child while supporting each family’s culture, language, ethnicity, and structure. Our program’s curriculum, activities, and schedule grow out of the characteristics of each classroom’s diverse population, children’s needs and interests, as well as the teacher’s strengths and interests.
Play-Based Program
Our play-based program emphasizes a sense of community and values each child as a unique part of that community. Through direct interactions and conversations with families, their friends, and colleagues, we develop a comprehensive understanding of our children and create individualized learning plans to help them reach their objectives.
Social-Emotional Learning
Through games, mindfulness activities, yoga, group reflections, and nature-based learning, we support children’s well-being from the inside out while teaching them how to reach their fullest potential as compassionate and self-aware human beings.
Healthy Nutrition
A healthy diet fuels the body and mind, and introducing diverse food types to our children enables them to experience new flavors and textures while ensuring they receive the nutrients needed to learn and grow.
RAISING PATRIOTS
The Mason Spirit
Our children experience the beauty of the Geroge Mason University campus and Mason Pride throughout the year during class walks and interactive sessions around campus. We plan a variety of opportunities for our children to meet a diverse group of Patriots with unique experiences in an immersive environment.
International Week Parade
Mason Fall Harvest Festival
Healthy Heart Walk
Apple Harvest Celebration and Cooking Demo
Field Trips: Sculpture Walk, Robotic Labs, Mason Garden, and MORE!
Garden & Sustainability
The CDC Garden program allows us to demonstrate to children first-hand the origins of nutritious food. With the support of the Center's families, staff, and members of the greater Mason community, we work together with children to nurture our garden and harvest its rewards. Our work together builds community, brings children and families closer to nature, and develops each individual’s potential as a steward of our earth. The Center is proud to take part in Mason’s sustainability mission through gardening, composting, and rain-water recycling.
OUR PROGRAMS
Year-Round Programs
2-5 Year Olds
Our thoughtfully designed curriculum focuses on holistic development, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects. Through engaging and age-appropriate activities, young children will be exposed to a wide range of educational experiences that lay the groundwork for future academic success.
Mason Kids Club
Kindergarten-Grade 3
Need child care services when school is closed? Consider joining our Mason Kids Club school holiday programs. We offer full-day, themed-based programs designed to be an immersive and engaging experience that combines hands-on learning with a wide range of fun activities.
Mason Kids Club
Summer Camp
Rising Grades 1-4
Join us for skill-building, STEAM-focused summer camps from June to August. Students will enjoy a wide range of hands-on activities, field trips, and sports that provide an enriching experience that your child will eagerly look forward to each day.
NATIONALLY ACCREDITED AWARD-WINNING
Early Childhood Education Provider
The CDC did an excellent job at caring for my two daughters over about 10 years. The staff and teachers provided a caring and supportive learning environment that taught my children social-emotional skills and prepared them for kindergarten. My daughters thrived at the CDC and when transitioning to elementary school. I would recommend this center to anyone!
Carolyn Lund
We have had the most amazing experience at the CDC. Our son has grown significantly thanks to the loving nature of the teachers, the play-based approach, and the support we have received in aiding in his education and development. His experience prepared him for next year.
Parent
The CDC has been such a tremendous and important part of our “village” and I cannot thank them enough. The twins have blossomed at the CDC and we owe a big part of that to the staff.
Jaime Lester
HOURS & LOCATION
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8 am - 5 pm
George Mason University Child Development Center
4402 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Mail Stop: MSN 5C2
(703) 993-5960
cdc@gmu.edu
BOOK A TOUR
Tour the facility and meet the center director and the care team to learn more about our curriculum, daily activities, and classroom environment. To schedule a tour, click the link below to check our availability.