Creative Preschoolers Programs

Preschooler Programs are designed for children ages 3-5.  Recreational play and socialization are the foundation of our learning philosophy. We believe that children at this age learn through hands-on exploration of their world, so we will provide a safe and stimulating setting in which to do this. Emphasis is placed on experiencing age-appropriate recreation activities, being part of a group, cooperating, listening, sharing, independence, developing play and movement skills, and discovering nature. Enrichment visitors stop by regularly to lead programming on topics such as science, arts, literacy and nature. 

*Enrollment is open year-round if space is available. 

The Creative Preschoolers Program offers full-day and half-day programs.

• The half-day programs are a nine-month program, running from September to May. Half-day hours are 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

• Full day programs are a twelve-month program running September to August. Full-day hours are 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. at Gunston and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. with optional extended hours from 3 - 6 p.m. at Lubber Run. 

Creative Preschoolers Programs are offered at five convenient Arlington locations.

Half-Day Programs:

• Carlin Hall
• Fairlington Community Center
• Madison Community Center

Full-Day Programs:

• Lubber Run Community Center 

• Gunston Community Center

More Information:

• Download the 2024-25 Full Day Preschoolers Program Handbook(PDF, 549KB)
• (PDF, 549KB)Download the 2024-25 Full-Day Program Calendar(PDF, 138KB)
• Download the 2024-25 Half Day Preschoolers Program Handbook(PDF, 545KB)
• (PDF, 149KB) Download the 2024-25 Half-Day Program Calendar(PDF, 149KB)

Important Dates to Remember

Half-Day Program Registration (opens at 10 am):

Full-Day Program Registration (opens at 10 am):

Click here for Tuition Information

Registration 

• Register here.  You’ll need your WebTrac login information, program number and credit card (we accept VISA, MasterCard and Discover). A 3% fee is charged by our credit card processor. Customers using credit cards pay the convenience fee directly to the credit card processor. Arlington County does not receive any portion of the fee. Learn how to avoid the fee.
• Registration open year-round if space is available. 
• For your convenience, annual tuition is divided into equal payments.  First payment is due at time of registration. Learn more.
• If you don’t have an account with us, create one at registration.arlingtonva.us/. Click “Create Account” in the Login/Register box in the top left corner.
• Registration opens at 10 a.m.
• Parents of all new children (including new siblings) must complete and submit all new-child paperwork two weeks prior to child's first day.  
• Paperwork needed for your child to attend preschools is here.
  NOTE: Web registration closes on August 15, 2024 for the 2024-25 program year. If you are interested in our program after that date, please phone the Administrative Services Office at 703-228-4747 to check for availability.

Registration Prioritization

Enrollment is first come first serve. Placement will be determined using the following priorities:

Priority 1 – Current children enrolling in the same class at same program location.

Priority 2 – Current children moving to another class at same program location.

Priority 3 – Siblings of current children enrolled at same program location.

Priority 4 – Current children moving program locations.

Priority 5 – Siblings of current children moving program locations.

Access for All

Creative Preschooler Programs, like more Park & Recreation programs and classes, are at a price you can afford! Our fee reduction program helps Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day! Access for All. Whether you have a short-term set back or something longer term. Details here. For your convenience, program tuition is divided into ten equal payments.  First payment is due at time of registration. Learn more.

Additionally, we can put modifications in place to promote an enjoyable and successful program experience for participants of all abilities. Details here.

Cancellations

• The program fees are not based on attendance.
• All cancellations must be made in writing to the Administrative Services office two weeks prior to the last day and are subject to a $20 administrative fee per session.
• Cancellations can be made at registration@arlingtonva.us. The cost per day will be divided based on the number of days of service.
• Please note that all cancellations are processed by Administrative Services staff only, not through program staff.

Contact us

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