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. 

Slots are Still Available for 2025-26 Creative Preschoolers Program! Full-day Programs at Gunston & Lubber Run and Half-day Programs at Carlin Hall & Fairlington. Register here.

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. - 3 p.m. with optional extended hours from 3 - 6 p.m.

Creative Preschoolers Programs are offered at four convenient Arlington locations.

Half-Day Programs:

• Carlin Hall
• Fairlington Community Center

Full-Day Programs:

• Lubber Run Community Center 

• Gunston Community Center

More Information:

• Download the 2025-26 Full-Day Preschoolers Program Calendar
• Download the 2025-26 Full-Day Preschoolers Program Handbook
• Download the 2025-26 Half-Day Preschoolers Program Calendar
• Download the 2025-26 Half-Day Preschoolers Program Handbook

   

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. 
• 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.
• Monthly tuition is applied from the date of registration
• If your child is enrolled, you will receive an email from preschoolprograms@arlingtonva.us with program information and paperwork requirements after you register.
• Once paperwork is completed and submitted, email Preschoolprograms@arlingtonva.us to confirm your child's first day
• Parents of all new children (including new siblings) must complete and submit all new-child paperwork two weeks prior to child's first day.  
• NOTE: You WILL BE BILLED for this program unless you contact Administrative Services to cancel, even if you do not complete the paperwork and your child does not attend.

   

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 about program tuition.

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

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 prekbilling@arlingtonva.us.  Please include preschoolprograms@arlingtonva.us on this cancellation request. 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