Since 1974, School Age Child Care (SACC) has provided families with high quality school age child care services. SACC, a Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) program, offers before and after school care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade.
SACC centers are located in most Fairfax County public elementary schools, and Key and Kilmer Centers, which serve youth with multiple types of disabilities, ages 5-21.
SACC offers four programs: school year, winter, spring and summer camp for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The SACC program is designed to serve children who need care five days a week. SACC enrollment and fees are not able to accommodate drop-in or short term service.
The curriculum for each program incorporates SACC’s six areas of exploration: the visual and performing arts, language arts, sports and recreation, science, technology, engineering, art, and math (S.T.E.A.M.) and community and culture connections. These focus areas provide the structure for creative curriculum activities, experiences, and projects designed to expand children’s interests, develop their talents, and enhance their learning. Each day includes a variety of opportunities for children to participate in both curriculum related and other favorite activities, including outside time (weather permitting) and active games in the gym. Children will also have the opportunity each day to work on homework and spend time with friends. Throughout the year children may go on an occasional field trip including walking, biking, swimming, and those requiring use of FCPS or public transportation.
NCS sponsors the At-Risk and Regular SACC Afterschool Meals Program with meals available at no separate charge to participants at the following locations:
For more information, call 703-449-1414 Opt. 1, TTY 711. For additional information about the program, contact the Virginia Department of Education, Office of School Nutrition Programs at 804-225-2082, TTY 711.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF) which can be obtained from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992 TTY 711, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
SACC centers are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and meet, or exceed, the standards established by the Office of Child Care Health and Safety for licensed child day care programs. The purpose of the standards is to reduce risks in center environments and protect children by ensuring the activities, services and facilities of centers are conducive to children's well-being. The VDOE Child Care Licensing team conducts announced and unannounced center inspection visits throughout the year to monitor center compliance with all licensing standards.
NEW: Beyond the Bell is a before‐ and after‐school pilot program at 20 Fairfax County Public Schools elementary sites. These locations will operate under an exemption from Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which allows local government‐operated child care programs to be exempt from VDOE licensure. Neighborhood and Community Services will oversee all policies, and program standards for Beyond the Bell sites.
SACC's knowledgeable and talented staff is comprised of professionals committed to a long-term career providing quality services for children and families. The program staff exceeds 700 employees, in full- and part-time positions. SACC teachers have both academic backgrounds in child-related fields and experience working with children in small and large group settings. SACC offers a competency-based training program, which provides a variety of opportunities for staff to participate in professional development throughout the year.
SACC staff are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment and providing an exceptional program that contributes to the goals and priorities families have for their children, such as building self-confidence, developing friendships, having fun, and participating in physical activity. SACC staff also support the FCPS Program of Studies by providing a wide range of opportunities for children to expand their interests, develop their talents, and enhance their learning.
SACC programs located in community centers will follow the same inclement weather procedures as SACC and Beyond the Bell programs in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) buildings. SACC and Beyond the Bell's policy in the event of emergency school closings, delayed openings and early closings is as follows:
Full Day Closings: SACC and Beyond the Bell will be closed whenever schools are closed for the full day due to weather conditions, energy problems or other emergencies.
Delayed School Openings: On days when school opens two hours late, SACC and Beyond the Bell centers will open at 8 a.m. for children enrolled in the Before School session. For delays of less than two hours, SACC and Beyond the Bell will open on time.
Early School Closings and/or Afternoon or Evening Activities Canceled: SACC and Beyond the Bell centers will open at the time of school dismissal for children enrolled in the After School session. If
closing times need to be adjusted due to weather or emergencies, families will be notified as soon as
possible; all children will remain safely supervised until they are picked up.
Teacher Workdays: On Teacher Workdays, if school buildings or offices are closed due to inclement weather, SACC and Beyond the Bell programs will be closed. On days when FCPS school buildings or administrative/central offices open two hours late, SACC/Beyond the Bell will open at 8 a.m. For delays of less than two hours, SACC/Beyond the Bell will open on time.
FCPS Emergency Announcements will be communicated via:
NCS Emergency Announcements will be communicated via:
Additional Weather Resources
Our handbook is currently being updated. For questions, please contact us at 703-449-8989, TTY 711, or email us.
