2025-26 pilot success leads to phased transition of SACC to Beyond the Bell
Following the 2025–26 Beyond the Bell pilot program, Fairfax County's Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) — in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools — will move forward with a phased expansion of Beyond the Bell, beginning with 21 elementary schools during the 2026–27 school year. The expansion is driven by Superintendent Michelle C. Reid and the Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors, in support of their shared commitment to reduce waitlists and expand school age child care access for Fairfax County families.
The Phase 1 expansion marks the first phase of a multi-year transition from the county's School Age Child Care (SACC) program to Beyond the Bell. The transition will continue over the next four school years, with full implementation anticipated by the 2029–30 school year. The phased approach allows the county to continue strengthening the program while supporting children, families and employees throughout implementation.
"The success of the Beyond the Bell pilot demonstrated that we can expand access to high-quality, school age child care while maintaining the safe, nurturing environments families have trusted for generations," said Lloyd Tucker, NCS Director. "We’re excited to offer more Fairfax County families access to affordable, high-quality care that supports children's growth and development."
The 2025–26 pilot served children at 20 elementary schools across Fairfax County. On average, waitlists at participating schools were reduced by 96 percent while enrollment increased. The pilot also expanded access to affordable child care, with more participating families receiving financial assistance through the county's sliding fee scale. The 20 schools that took part in the 2025–26 pilot will continue in the Beyond the Bell program as it expands.
Beyond the Bell operates under Virginia's regulations for school-age child care programs offered by local governments and staffed by local government employees. While it is regulated differently than traditional licensed child care centers, it maintains Fairfax County's long-standing commitment to safety, quality, staff training and enriching experiences for children.
Phase 1 Schools
The 21 schools selected for Phase 1 of the transition were identified through a collaborative planning process between NCS and Fairfax County Public Schools. While reducing waitlists was an important consideration, it was one of several factors used to determine which schools would transition first.
The following schools will transition to Beyond the Bell for the 2026–27 school year:
- Cameron ES
- Cardinal Forest ES
- Clermont ES
- Dogwood ES
- Forest Edge ES
- Glen Forest ES
- Groveton ES
- Hutchison ES
- Laurel Ridge ES
- Lemon Road ES
- London Towne ES
- Lynbrook ES
- Navy ES
- Oakton ES
- Rose Hill ES
- Stenwood ES
- Union Mill ES
- Waynewood ES
- Weyanoke ES
- White Oaks ES
- Woodlawn ES
Families enrolled or waitlisted at the Phase 1 sites received additional information from NCS about enrollment, program details, engagement sessions, and next steps. NCS is also working closely with FCPS and the Phase 1 schools to ensure we meet capacity needs and a smooth program transition.
Community Information Sessions
To help the community better understand the transition, NCS will host a series of community information sessions this summer. Current SACC families, families on the waitlist and members of the community are encouraged to attend to learn more about Beyond the Bell and what the transition means for families. These sessions will also provide an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from NCS leadership.
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Both August 6 sessions will be a hybrid format. Participants may attend in person at Gerry Hyland Government Center (8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria) or virtually via Zoom link (same link for both sessions).
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Only: Zoom link (same link for both sessions)
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026
- 11a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Only: Zoom link (same link for both sessions)
For more information about the program, visit the NCS Beyond the Bell page.