Programs and Resources

Check here for up-to-date listings of child care in Arlington.

Parent Infant Education Program (PIE):

• For children (0-3years) who have special needs
• The PIE program is part of the statewide early intervention program known as the Infant Toddler Connection of Virginia and is also known locally as the Infant Toddler Connection of Arlington. It is a family-centered program.

Creative Preschooler Program

• Arlington County’s Creative Preschooler Program offers half-day options at Madison (as well as Carlin Hall)  and full-day preschools at Gunston and Lubber Run Community Centers. The preschool program is designed to provide children ages 3-5 with their first social group experience outside the home. Emphasis is placed on experiencing age-appropriate recreation activities, being part of a group, cooperating, listening, sharing, developing play and movement skills, and discovering nature.

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)

• Students must turn four years old by by September 30th to be accepted into the program. A student’s family must meet income eligibility guidelines to enroll.
• VPI is a full day Pre-K program located at 15 elementary schools (35 classrooms). This program follows curriculum which is research based, developmentally appropriate and has been shown to increase academic and social success for students.

Primary Montessori

• For students ages three to five. Students must turn three years old by September 30 to enroll.
• A full day Montessori Pre-K program is offered at 6 elementary schools (18 primary classrooms) and is Two-thirds of the available slots are for students whose families meet income eligibility guidelines. Tuition for three-and four-year-old children is charged on a sliding fee schedule based on family income.

Community Peer Pre-Kindergarten Program (CPP)

• • For students ages 2 years 6 months (by September 30) through 4-years old without identified disabilities.
  • The Arlington community will have the opportunity to participate in one of the preschool Special Education Programs through the Community Peer Pre-Kindergarten Program (CPP). There are Toddler and 3-5 classrooms. Any Arlington family may apply for this program.

Project Family virtual playgroup

Arlington County invites Arlington families with children 0 to 5 years of age to participate. Virtual classes will be held over Zoom and activities will include thematic discussion, reading time, and interactive music lessons. Each class cycle will last for 7 weeks. All classes are completely free for all Arlington County residents. Register here to secure your spot.

• Virtual classes are held:
  • Monday: 10am to 11am
  • Tuesday: 1pm to 2pm
  • Wednesday: 11am to 12pm
  • Thursday: 9am to 10am (Reserved for children 0 to 12 months)
  • Friday: 10am to 11am (Class in Spanish)
  • Saturday: 10am to 11am
• For more information contact Leonardo Espiña: lespina@arlingtonva.us

Arlington County’s Little Explorers camp provides a fun, exciting camp experience for young campers! Creative play, crafts and physical activity are combined with themes to bring campers on a week full of adventures.

• • Appropriate for ages 3-5 years
  • 8 weeks in summer (June – August)
  • No guardian volunteer requirement
  • Full-Day Program (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with optional extended day 3:00-6:00 p.m.)
    • Lubber Run Community Center
  • Half-Day Programs (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.):
    • Carlin Hall
    • Fairlington Community Center
    • Madison Community Center
    • Gunston Community Center

    Contact

    • preschoolprograms@arlingtonva.us
    • 703-228-4747

Arlington Public Libraries offer Family Storytime for families with young children. Libraries will have either a storytime with a read-aloud, songs, fingerplays, or a craft project appropriate for young children. No registration required. Attendance is first-come, first-served.

Behavior Intervention Services (BIS) is an Arlington County program with staff consisting of two behavior specialists and a supervising clinical psychologist. The BIS program provides behavioral consultation services to parents, guardians and teachers experiencing challenging behavior with children. The staff do not work directly with children. BIS staff provide recommendations to caregivers. BIS completes a behavioral assessment based on caregiver input and classroom observation as indicated.

Organizations

• Arlington Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) provides additional opportunities to get involved with parents and teachers supporting students with disabilities, through regular meetings, activities, and events.
• Parents of Autistic Children of Northern Virginia
• The Arc of Northern Virginia is a local chapter of the largest non-profit organization supporting thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and their families.

Virtual Support Groups

• Parents in a Pandemic: Developmental Support Associates (DSA) is offering a virtual family support group for local families who care for children, youths, and young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges. Meetings are free, and will be held on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 – 6:30pm. Pre-registration is required.

Recreational Activities for Individuals with Disabilities

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