News and Information
October 21, 2024
October is National Head Start Awareness Month. Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services is proud to support this important program that impacts school readiness for millions of young children nationwide.
Head Start is a national child development program that serves families with children from birth to age 5 and expectant parents. The program is designed to prepare children for success in school by enhancing their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. This service is provided at no cost to eligible families.
In Fairfax County, Head Start and Early Head Start are under the administration of NCS in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, Family Child Care homes and Center Based programs. Providing this free educational program aligns with NCS’ mission to provide opportunities to access a continuum of resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities.
There are Head Start and Early Head Start locations throughout the County. Please visit the NCS Head Start page for more information and eligibility requirements.
Since 1965, Head Start programs have reached more than 38 million children and their families. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children enrolled in Head Start are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college; have improved social, emotional and behavioral development; and are better prepared to be parents themselves than similar children who do not attend the program.
Head Start currently serves 800,000 children annually nationwide and nearly 700 children in Fairfax County. Head Start Awareness Month was first recognized in October 1982.
October 22, 2024
NCS centers with youth programs will hold special events in October in honor of the 25th annual Lights On Afterschool, a national rally for after school programs sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance. This year’s Lights On Afterschool observance is Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.
The Afterschool Alliance, a non-profit advocacy organization working to ensure all children and youth have access to quality after school programs, says after school programs will hold thousands of events nationwide to highlight the ways after school programs support student success.
NCS offers School Age Child Care (SACC), Teen Centers and other programs at community centers and school locations throughout Fairfax County. We provide a safe, structured environment for promoting social connections, commitment to learning, health, wellness and individual growth. Programs run on school days, as well as summer, spring and winter breaks.
SACC fees are based on household income. Many of the other programs are free.
"NCS' after-school programs are inclusive, educational, engaging, safe and affordable," said NCS Division Director Chris Scales. "We are very proud of the role we play in the development of Fairfax County children."
A large body of evidence demonstrates improvements in grades, school attendance, behavior and more among children who participate in after school programs, says the Afterschool Alliance.
Researchers have also found that students in after school programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning and develop critical work and life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and communications, according to the Afterschool Alliance.
To learn more about NCS programs for children and teens, visit the NCS website.
October 14, 2024
Plan now to keep your school-age kids engaged over upcoming school breaks! Registration for NCS' Camp Fairfax and Teens in Action Camp Winter and Spring Programs will open on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.
NCS' camp programs offer fun and creative opportunities to help participants develop valuable life skills and make positive social connections during school breaks. Programs are available for students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. All programs offer sliding fee scales for income-eligible families.
Camp Fairfax
Camp Fairfax (previously known as Winter/Spring SACC) will feature educational and engaging programs for children, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), visual arts, performing arts, sports and recreation, outdoor adventures and more. Please click on Winter or Spring Programs below to see camp locations.
Winter Program
Session 1 – Dec. 23-27, 2024 (three days; closed Dec. 24-25).
Session 2 – Dec. 30, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025 (four days; closed Jan. 1).
Spring Program
April 14-18, 2025 (five days)
More information:
Kindergarten to sixth grade children residing in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax.
Program hours are 7 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Sliding fee scale available for income-eligible families.
Morning and afternoon snack provided.
Children must bring a lunch and a drink each day.
Registration:
Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024:
Families may call 703-449-8989, TTY 711, to register by phone beginning at 8 a.m. on Oct. 15.
Families may log in to their existing SACC Registration Online account to request to add services for the Winter or Spring program.
Families without an account may create a SACC Registration Online account or call 703-449-8989, TTY 711, to register.
For more information, visit Camp Fairfax.
Teens in Action Camp
Teens in Action Camp offers a variety of hands-on experiences in a safe and fun environment. This camp for middle and high school students features STEM; job, education and career readiness; sports, recreation and health; music and art; and more. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; lunch and morning/afternoon snacks provided. Enrollment cost is free.
Winter
Dec. 23-27, 2024 (three days; closed Dec. 24-25)
Dec. 30, 2024 -Jan. 3, 2025 (four days; closed Jan. 1)
Spring
April 14-18, 2025 (five days)
Registration forms are available at Teens in Action Camp; forms should be submitted at program site. For locations and more information, visit Teens in Action Camp.