Philosophy

For five decades, The Child Care & Learning Center (CCLC) has served the children and families of Rappahannock County. What began as a community response to the needs of working families has grown into a trusted early childhood institution — supporting children from three months through age 12.

Mission

The Child Care & Learning Center partners with families and the community to provide high-quality, nature-rich early childhood education and care for children from infancy through age 12.

We build strong foundations for lifelong learning, support working families, and expand access to exceptional early education in Rappahannock County.

Impact

As Rappahannock County’s only nonprofit early childhood center serving infants through school-age children, CCLC plays a vital role in supporting families and strengthening our community. We provide year-round care and early learning for children ages 3 months through 12 years, helping ensure that every child has a strong start and that parents have reliable child care in a rural community where options are limited. Through partnerships with local schools and statewide early childhood initiatives, we work to expand access to high-quality care so that more children enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Philosophy

Our programs are grounded in research on early brain development and child psychology. We believe children learn best through:

  • Active exploration

  • Language-rich environments

  • Purposeful play

  • Caring, consistent relationships

Daily outdoor experiences through our Children in Nature program foster independence, problem-solving, and resilience.

We view families as partners and are committed to an inclusive community where every child and family is welcomed, respected, and supported.

Community Partnership

CCLC was founded by community members and remains community-led today. Guided by a Board of Directors and supported by donors, families, and local partners, we work in close partnership with the community we serve.

We collaborate with organizations across the region, including Headwaters Foundation, the Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community (RAAC), and Totality Martial Arts. These partnerships enrich our programs through experiences like music instruction and martial arts for school-age children.

As we enter our 50th year, we remain committed to expanding access, strengthening quality, and ensuring every child in Rappahannock County has a strong start.

Accreditation & Quality

As Rappahannock County’s only nonprofit early childhood center serving infants through school-age children, CCLC plays a vital role in supporting families and strengthening our community. We provide year-round care and early learning for children ages 3 months through 12 years, helping ensure that every child has a strong start and that parents have reliable child care in a rural community where options are limited. Through partnerships with local schools and statewide early childhood initiatives, we work to expand access to high-quality care so that more children enter kindergarten ready to learn.

CCLC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading authority on early childhood program standards.

This accreditation reflects our commitment to quality across curriculum, teaching, family partnerships, and health and safety.