Programs and Resources

  • The Parent Resource Center

    • The Parent Resource Center (PRC) is a resource and information center for families, staff and community members. The PRC’s mission is to provide parents the support and information they need as they work with the school system to identify and meet their child’s unique learning needs.The PRC offers support and assistance, individual consultations with families at the PRC or by phone, a lending library, a parent newsletter, parent learning opportunities, and serves as an information and referral source for families and staff members.

  • Child Care Availability

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

  • Infant Toddler Program (PIE)

    • 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.

  • Preschool Programs

    • Creative Preschooler Program has Limited Openings for 2022-23!  Our dynamic Creative Preschooler Program is accepting registration for the current program year.  We’ve got half-day options at Madison (as well as Carlin Hall) full-day preschools at Gunston and Lubber Run Community Centers with space available. Our preschool programs are 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. Learn more here.
    • 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.

  • Playgroup with Project Family: Currently Online

    • Project Family is currently operating online and classes begin March 1st
      • 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 letters and 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
      • Project Family information in Spanish

  • Story Time with Arlington Libraries

    • Family Storytime at Arlington Libraries. 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. For our current policies on masking please see our Library Operations Update.

  • Behavior Support at Home (BIS)

    • 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.

  • Resources for Parents of Children with Special Needs

    • Organizations

      Support Groups: Currently Online

      • 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

      Need Help Now?

      • Emergency Mental Health Services

          • Emergency Mental Health Services: 703-228-5160 (Services include assessment, crisis intervention and stabilization, short-term counseling, psychiatric services and critical stress management for individuals and families.)
          • Same Day Access :  703-228-5150 (For those ages 18 and older. Note, at this time, all intakes, case management, and therapy appointments will be conducted virtually).
          • Same Day Access: 703-228-1560 (For children under the age of 18).
          • CR2, Crisis Response : 844-627-4747 (For children, age 17 and younger, experiencing a psychiatric crisis due to mental health issues that are placing them at risk of psychiatric hospitalization that are experiencing mental health or behavioral challenges. Free services)
          • REACH (Crisis response for youth and adults w/developmental disabilities): 855-897-8278

      • Need to Talk? Crisis Phone and Text/Chat Supports

          • Crisis Link
            • Call: 800-273-TALK [8255]
            • Text: CONNECT to 855-11
            • Lifeline Chat: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org/chat
          • The Disaster Distress Helpline (24/7, 365-day-a-year, toll-free national hotline with multilingual, and confidential crisis support):
            •  Call: 1-800-985-5990
            • Text: TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
          • Mental Health America of Virginia’s Warmline (between 9am and 9pm Monday-Friday or 5pm-9pm Saturday and Sunday): 1-866-400-MHAV (6428)