Child Development Center

The Child Development Center at the University of the District of Columbia is a comprehensive child care program providing early care and education for all children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years. The Center promotes a comprehensive approach to early childhood development that empowers families and communities with the knowledge, skills, information, and support services necessary to ensure the optimal development of all children. Services to children and their families include education, health, mental health, nutrition, parent involvement, and social services.

The Center follows Head Start standards and the principles of the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) Developmentally Appropriate Practices in the implementation of its educational program. The program is structured around the High Scope Curriculum. In this approach to preschool education, young children are seen as active learners, and the role of adults is to support them as they construct their own understanding of the world through interactions with people, materials, events, and ideas.

Enrollment Information

Children are eligible for enrollment in the UDC Child Development Center from the age of two (2) years six months through five (5) years of age.

Parents may register their child/children for enrollment by completing all required forms, including all necessary medical documents, prior to the child's attendance. Once the Center has received all of the necessary enrollment forms, parents will be notified if a space is available for the child or if they have been placed on a waiting list for enrollment into the Center. Once parents have been notified that there is an opening, they will be required to meet with a member of the child's teaching team and the family services specialist.

Eligibility for Head Start and/or DHS Day Care Subsidy

• Proof of DC residence
• Birth certificate
• Social security card
• Current health records
• Proof of income
• Proof of registration (student)

TANF recipients must have child's eligibility for services determined by the District of Columbia Department of Human Services.

Hours of Operation

The Center is open from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Extended evening care is also available until 9:00 p.m. for children of University students only and who range in age from 2.5 years to 12 years old.

Location of Center

The Center is located at 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW (Building 39/Suite A02). Telephone: 202.274.5213

Funding for this program is provided through a public and private agreement between the United Planning Organization Head Start Program and the D.C. Department of Human Services, Commission on Social Services Office of Early Childhood Development.