Early Childhood: The program at BCCC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and serves children between the ages of 2 ½  and 5 years of age. The BCCC’s hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program operates year- round, closing only on federal holidays or snow days. When the public schools in the District are closed, the BCCC is also closed.  The BCCC also programs non-school days for staff development. Programs: The BCCC serves more than 150 toddlers and pre-schoolers, and elementary school aged children through its child care and Before-and-After programs. PROGRAM                                        AGES Child care                                           2 ½ to 5 Pre-K Incentive                                  3 to 5 Before-and-After care                       4 to 11 Extended hours                                  2 ½ to 11 Summer program                               2 ½ to 11
Toddlers: Childrenaged 2 ½ to 3 are in the Toddler Program.  A majority of children’s brain development takes place during their first three years of growth. The program at BCCC allows toddlers to discover who they are, socialize, learn to express their feelings, and begin to become independent, to feel comfortable and loved. Their social, emotional, physical and cognitive developmentis reinforced.	Before-and-After Care:  Children ages 4 through 11 can attend BCCC for care before or after their regular school day. The program at BCCC provides more than just traditional child care. Our goal for this program is to help children to be prepared for school by reinforcing the lessons and assignments learned in school. There is tutoring in reading, writing, and math.
The Pre-K Incentive Program (ages 3-5): This is an innovative programwhich serves children ages 3-5 for them to achieve mastery in their basic subjects. The curriculum and instruction are aligned with the comprehensive pre-K program in the DC Public Schools. Children can become academically successful whatever their initial language proficiency level or economic background, when they are provided with quality teaching conditions and when parent involvement is fostered.  Children receive support in sharpening skills related to school readiness: abilities in social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, and the fundamentals of math and basic literacy. With the help of the Pre-K Incentive Program, children find themselves ready to embark on their elementary school journey, ready and well prepared to make a smooth transition into kindergarten.	Summer Program:  The Center runs a summer program for school aged children, 4 to 11 year olds.  This exciting program starts in mid June and runs through the end of August when school starts.  The children engage in activities such as creative writing, reading, math, and computer training. They also enjoy field trips to lakes, farms, museums, parks, and the Wolf Trap Theater in the Woods. They also have opportunities for gardening, enjoying music through song and dance, embroidery, carpentry, and crafts.
Extended Hours:   This program is designed to serve children ages 2 ½ to 5 whose parents work or study during evening hours by providing additional hours of service until 6 pm.	Food Program: A free nutritious meal program for all children (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner) is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture. The BCCC provides a multi-cultural menu and food is prepared on the premises.
About the Curriculum:   The Barbara Chambers Children's Center uses the Creative Curriculum because it is designed to provide a balance of activities in various learning areas.  The Creative Curriculum helps teachers organize their classrooms into learning centers, and guides teachers in how to use them to help children learn at their own pace in different settings and using several learning styles. The curriculum can be used with children of different language backgrounds and is inclusive for children with special needs.