OUR PROGRAMS
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS
2-5 Year Olds
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.
Tuition Rates
Follow the link below to see our tuition and fees and additional information on payment schedules. Mason discount and sibling discount may apply.
Registration & Waitlist
Plan ahead and join our waitlist by completing the registration process before your child reaches the age requirement.
Important Information
See our Parent Handbook and learn more about pickup policy, inclement weather, academic calendar and more.
TWOS
2 & 3 Year Olds
Children enrolling in the Center's TWOS class must have reached their second birthday to be eligible. Here, our youngest Patriots turn the “terrible Twos” into terrific. Our pre-planned, engaging learning environments support a two-year-old’s desire to be independent, make their own choices, interact with peers, and be helpful members of their community.
Key Areas of Development
Self-help skills
Emotional awareness and positive relationships
Foundational activities in all curricular areas
Fine and gross motor development
Toilet-training
PRESHOOL
3 & 4 Year Olds
Our preschoolers play an active role in designing their daily program through class meetings, open-ended materials used to meet diverse needs and interests, and opportunities for self-expression. Here, children begin to clearly exhibit their strengths and continue to shape areas still developing.
Key Areas of Development
Take initiative in one's own learning
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Cooperative play and learning
Beginning to use writing, drawing, and fine arts to communicate ideas
Early skills in math, language literacy, and natural & social sciences
PRE-K
4 & 5 Year Olds
Pre-K students engage in a variety of activities that hone school readiness skills. With play still an essential component to children’s development, increased structure and expectations strengthen skills needed to successfully transition to kindergarten.
Key Areas of Development
Making positive choices to support self and others
Growing understanding of the natural world and diverse communities through journaling, dramatic play, and storytelling
Extension of empathy and compassion toward all living things
Problem solving and investigation using a variety of resources to formulate conclusions
Learning how letters and print work to create meaning
MASON KIDS CLUB
Kindergarten-Grade 3
Mason Kids Club is a school-age program for children enrolled in kindergarten through third grade. It is offered on select dates throughout the year when Fairfax County Public Schools are closed (e.g., teacher workdays and holidays). Families can choose individual sessions based on their schedule and service needs. Lunch, drinks, and nut-free snacks are not included; please pack accordingly.
Tuition Rates
Follow the link below to see our tuition and fees and additional information on payment schedules.
Registration
Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan ahead and register before it's full.
Important Information
See important information about pickup, withdrawal/refund policies, inclement weather, illness, and medications.
OVERVIEW
Kindergarten-Grade 3
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Before and After Care Not Available
Join us on school holidays for an unforgettable adventure that combines fun, learning, and friendship. From thrilling outdoor adventures to captivating arts and crafts to hands-on experiments, our program complements students' academic journey by nurturing their curiosity and fostering a love for continuous learning. Students will not only have a blast but also return to school with a refreshed mindset and newfound enthusiasm for learning.
Currently unavailable, please check back later.
MASON KIDS CLUB SUMMER CAMP
Rising Grade 1-Rising Grade 4
Mason Kids Club Summer Camp is a school-aged, full summer program for rising first graders through rising fourth graders. Each year, a new and exciting theme guides the interactive summer activities. Lunch, drinks, and nut-free snacks are not included; please pack accordingly. Current families receive priority registration.
Tuition Rates
Follow the link below for our weekly tuition rates. The cost includes all camp supplies, lunch, and snacks daily. Discounts are available for full summer registration.
Registration
Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan ahead and register before it's full.
Important Information
See important information about pickup, withdrawal/refund policies, inclement weather, illness, and medications.
OVERVIEW
Rising Grade 1-Rising Grade 4
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Before and After Care Not Available
Create unforgettable memories with new friends this summer at the Child Development Center. The weekly camps provide interactive projects, exciting field trips, sports activities, team-building exercises, and group projects that promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills for our little Patriots with STEAM-focused learning opportunities.
Currently unavailable, please check back later.
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.