Engage. Nurture. Develop.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Ages 3 & 4 | Full-Day Program (8 am-5 pm)
Engage curiosity, nurture growth, and develop confidence through our nationally accredited preschool program, designed to inspire and support your child's journey from the very start.
Explore individuality and build our children’s characters in an inspiring, supportive, and enriching environment
Play-Based Program
Our play-based program values each child's uniqueness, fostering community and creating personalized learning plans through direct engagement with our center staff and teachers, families, and friends.
Social-Emotional Learning
We support children's well-being and teach them to reach their full potential as compassionate, self-aware individuals through games, mindfulness activities, yoga, group reflections, and nature-based learning.
Healthy Nutrition
Our children will learn firsthand the origins of nutritious food through our CDC Garden program. Our meal and snack menu offers a wide array of food types, helping children experience new flavors and textures while providing essential nutrients for learning and growth.
Key Areas of Development
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Child-directed cooperative play and learning
Creativity and expression through writing and fine arts
Hands-on activities explore early math, science, and literacy skills
Want to Learn More? Contact Us Today!
Eligible Families Save 10% on Monthly Tuition
George Mason employee's children enjoy 10% savings on monthly tuition. Families with two or more children enrolled at the center will receive a 10% discount on older sibling tuition.
Nationally Accredited Award-Winning
Early Childhood Education Provider
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
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 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
Additional Information
Check out the link below to learn more about our preschool enrollment process, including the waitlist system, tuition rates, academic calendar, parent handbook, policy procedures, and more.
FAQs
A daily report highlighting the basic activities of the day, such as curriculum activities, mealtime, toileting/diapering, rest, etc., is available at the end of the day. Families (up to 4 members) will gain access to secured shared access to view photos throughout the day. In addition, families are welcome to direct their questions to their child's lead or assistant teacher during dropoff and pickup or via email.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be scheduled twice a year, typically in the fall/winter and spring, to discuss your child's developmental progress. Additional conferences may be scheduled with your child's teacher as needed at any time throughout the school year. Families with additional concerns can also contact the Director or Assistant Director at 703-993-5960.
We adhere to the staff-to-child ratio set by the Virginia Department of Social Services, ensuring a ratio of 1:10 in our preschool classrooms. Each classroom is staffed with two dedicated teachers, accommodating up to 20 children to provide optimal care and attention to every child.
We work with families to ensure the safety of children with allergies at all times. Parents must share knowledge of food and other allergies at enrollment on a VA DSS required form, which will be shared with the Center's administration team, all classrooms, and kitchen staff. Specific protocols are implemented in the classroom to ensure the safety of our children.
If we suspect a child has experienced an allergic reaction, teachers will notify the Center's administration immediately and follow the protocol for that particular child included on the allergy list. Only Medication Authorization (MAT)-trained personnel may administer medication if needed. There is always a MAT-trained staff member present during the Center's hours of operation. Please see the Parent Handbook (PDF) "Allergy Policy and Procedures" section for more information.
We offer both regular and vegetarian menus and accommodate most dietary needs. If the current meal program is unable to meet a child’s dietary needs, parents may provide a nut-free alternative from home.
Currently, we do not offer partial-week preschool programs. Our program is designed to provide a consistent and well-rounded learning environment, and we encourage families to join our full-week program for optimal learning experiences.
Our full-week program runs Monday to Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Families are welcome to pick up or drop off their children anytime during the day due to doctor appointments and other commitments.
Hours & Locations
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.