FREE Pre-K for DC Children — Enroll at GAP Today
GAP Community Child Development Center offers a FREE, high-quality Pre-K program for DC children who are 3 years old by September 30th. Trusted by Washington, DC families for over 40 years — NAEYC accredited and one of only 30 OSSE PKEEP centers in DC. ⚠️ Pre-K spaces for 2026–2027 are filling fast. Submit your interest form today to secure your child's spot.
Complete the Pre-K Interest Form
Why It Matters
Why Pre-K Makes All the Difference
Research is clear: children who participate in high-quality Pre-K programs arrive in kindergarten better prepared — socially, emotionally, and academically. The early years are the most critical window for brain development, and investing in them pays dividends for a lifetime.
Kindergarten Readiness
Children enter kindergarten with foundational literacy, numeracy, and classroom skills that set them up for long-term academic success.
Social & Emotional Growth
Pre-K builds empathy, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence — skills children use every day for the rest of their lives.
Literacy & Language
Daily storytelling, conversation, and hands-on activities build strong vocabulary and communication foundations early.
Confidence & Independence
Children learn to try new things, solve problems, and believe in their own abilities in a safe, encouraging space.
Routines & Structure
Predictable daily routines help children feel secure, focused, and ready to engage in productive classroom learning.
Play-Based Learning
Learning through play sparks curiosity, creativity, and collaboration — turning every moment into a discovery opportunity.
What GAP Offers
A Place Where Every Child Belongs
At GAP Community Child Development Center, we go beyond childcare. We create a second home where children are known by name, celebrated for their individuality, and guided by educators who genuinely love what they do. Our programs serve children from 6 weeks through 5 years old, giving families one trusted community from infancy through Pre-K.
Nurturing Teachers
Experienced, caring educators who build real relationships with every child and family.
Safe Learning Environment
Clean, secure, and thoughtfully designed spaces where children thrive and parents feel at ease.
Family Communication
Regular updates, open-door policies, and transparent communication keep families informed and connected.
Full-Day Child Care
Flexible full-day programming supports working families with consistent, high-quality care all day long.
Pre-K Readiness Support
Targeted curriculum and individualized guidance ensure every child is genuinely ready to excel in kindergarten.
Exclusive Summer Care
Enriching summer programs keep children engaged, active, and learning when school is out of session.
🏆 NAEYC Accredited
Nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 2009 — the gold standard in early childhood education.
🏛️ OSSE PKEEP Designated
One of only 30 centers in DC selected for the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program under the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
📚 DC Early Learning Standards
Our curriculum follows DC ELS and DC Common Core, using Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies to nurture the whole child.
Our Programs
Programs Designed for Every Stage
From your baby's first days to Pre-K graduation, GAP has a program thoughtfully designed to meet your child exactly where they are. GAP serves children from 6 weeks through 5 years old.
🎨 Preschool
Ages 2–3 years. Play-based learning that builds curiosity, creativity, and early academic foundations — the perfect bridge to Pre-K.
🎓 Pre-K (FREE)
Ages 3–5 years. GAP's flagship FREE Pre-K program — OSSE PKEEP designated, NAEYC accredited, aligned with DC Early Learning Standards. Children must be 3 years old by September 30th.
☀️ Summer Care
Enriching summer programming that keeps Pre-K age children engaged, active, and learning all season long.
* Pre-K is FREE for eligible DC children who are 3 years old by September 30th. Must register by Sept 30th.
School Readiness
Ready for Kindergarten. Ready for Life.
Our School Readiness approach at GAP is intentional, comprehensive, and child-centered. We don't just teach letters and numbers — we cultivate the whole child. Our educators use developmentally appropriate practices aligned with DC Early Learning Standards to ensure every child leaves GAP with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to thrive from day one of kindergarten.
Each child's progress is tracked, celebrated, and communicated clearly to families, so you always know exactly how your child is growing and what comes next.
Literacy & Language Arts
Phonics, storytelling, vocabulary building, and early writing skills.
Math & Logical Thinking
Counting, patterns, shapes, and problem-solving through hands-on play.
Social-Emotional Learning
Managing emotions, building friendships, and developing self-confidence.
Families Love GAP
What Washington, DC Families Are Saying
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from the parents and caregivers who trust GAP every single day with the people they love most.
"GAP changed everything for our family. From day one, the teachers knew our daughter's name, her personality, and what made her laugh. We felt like we truly belonged to a community."
— Monique T., Washington, DC
"My son came home every day excited to tell me what he learned. By the time he started kindergarten, his teacher told us he was the most prepared child in the class. That's all GAP."
— Marcus & Denise W., Petworth
"The communication from the staff is incredible. I always knew what was happening, how my child was doing, and felt fully supported as a working parent. GAP is truly a partner."
— Aisha R., Ward 4
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars — based on 38 Google Reviews. Read all reviews on Google
Inside GAP
See Our Community in Action
Take a look inside GAP Community Child Development Center — where every day is filled with learning, laughter, and growth.
⚠️ Limited Spots Available
Don't Wait — Pre-K Spots Are Going Fast
GAP's Pre-K program for 2026–2027 has limited enrollment. Families who submit their interest form early get priority consideration — and spaces are already being reserved. Don't miss your window.
Takes 3 Minutes
The interest form is quick, easy, and commitment-free.
Priority Access
Early submissions get first consideration when enrollment opens.
Limited Seats
Pre-K enrollment is capped — once spots are filled, the waitlist opens.
The sooner you submit, the better your child's chances of securing a spot in our 2026–2027 Pre-K class.
Enrollment
How Enrollment Works at GAP
We know that choosing the right program for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Our enrollment process is designed to be simple, personal, and family-friendly — because you deserve a partner, not just a provider.
After you submit the interest form, expect a warm, personal response from our team within 1–2 business days. We'll walk you through program options, answer every question, and invite you in for a tour so you can experience the GAP community firsthand before making any decisions.
Visit Us
Come Say Hello — We'd Love to Meet You
GAP Community Child Development Center
209 Upshur Street NW
Washington, DC 20011
We welcome walk-in visits and encourage families to schedule a tour so we can give you our full attention. Come see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and feel the warmth of our community for yourself.
Growing. Advancing. Preparing. — Since 1983.
GAP Community Child Development Center has been a trusted partner to Washington, DC families for over 40 years. We are proud to serve our community with heart, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to every child's potential.
🌱 Serving DC Families
Proudly rooted in Ward 4 and welcoming families from across Washington, DC since 1983.
🎓 School Readiness First
Every program, every teacher, every day — focused on preparing your child to succeed in school and in life.
❤️ Community Built on Trust
We are more than a child care center. We are a family — and we'd be honored to welcome yours.
📋 Pre-K spaces for 2026–2027 are limited. Don't wait until it's too late.
© GAP Community Child Development Center · 209 Upshur Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 · info@gapccc.com · Serving Washington, DC families for over 40 years.