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USDA Child Development Center

This center is open: We're open to serve hardworking families in your community! Check out the new health and safety measures we've put in place to protect families and staff.

Address: 201 14th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open hours:
Center Director: Elba Lopez
Our center is accredited by: NAEYC

Welcome to USDA Child Development Center

Welcome to USDA Child Development Center! We are located at the Smithsonian Metro station, inside the Yates Building in downtown Washington, DC. Our classrooms are designed around your child's unique needs, and our curriculum is built from the latest research in early childhood development to help little minds grow. It's our mission from the moment you walk into our center that you feel welcomed and a part of our KinderCare family!

We are currently only offering full-time schedules.

Address: 201 14th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
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Program Availability

Infant Daycare
Limited Availability
Toddler Daycare
Available
Discovery Preschool
Limited Availability
Preschool
Available

If a program you are interested in shows "upcoming availability", contact the center today to learn more.

Elba Lopez, Our Center Director

Meet Elba Lopez, Our Center Director

At KinderCare Since: 2017

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Favorite Children's Book: The World Needs More Purple People

Meet Elba Lopez! She is the Center Director at the USDA Child Development Center in Washington, D.C. With over a dozen years of experience working with children, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Universidad Sagrado Corazón de Puerto Rico and is currently pursuing an MBA. Ms. Lopez has supported centers in Del Mar, San Diego, CA; the Department of Labor in D.C.; and now leads the USDA CDC. Passionate about building strong relationships with families, staff, and children, she prioritizes family and staff engagement to help the center grow. She is eager to meet more families and share the quality education her team has developed to provide.

Our classrooms are places to thrive! 
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour! 

USDA Child Development Center Programs

Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)

Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.

Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)

Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.

Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)

This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.

Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)

This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!

Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)

When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.

School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)

Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.

Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program

STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)

You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!

Family Stories

Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center! If you have a story about your experience at KinderCare, please share your story with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accreditations does KinderCare have?

Do you offer part-time schedules at USDA Child Development Center?

How does naptime work at USDA Child Development Center?

Do you support alternative diets?

Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

About KinderCare

This is what learning looks like
Accreditation
This is what learning looks like
Accreditation

Child Care You Can Trust

IT’S MORE THAN DAYCARE, IT’S KINDERCARE!

Whether your child is just starting to explore the world or on their way to big-kid school, we have exactly what they need to foster their love of learning and build confidence. See proof that our Early Foundations® curriculum prepares kids for kindergarten, elementary school, and beyond!

Accreditation

LEADING THE WAY AS AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED CHILD CARE PROVIDER.

Accreditation means that every aspect of our programs, from teacher training and classroom safety to our top-notch curriculum, is backed by third-party experts who’ve given their seal of approval.

Learn more about accreditation

This is what learning looks like
Accreditation

Meet Our Classroom Heroes

From ABCs and 123s to social-emotional skills and problem-solving, our amazing teachers build kindergarten readiness and Confidence for Life™.

See how they bring learning to life at every age and stage!

Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids
Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids

Babies Are Reaching New Milestones

Babies are giggling, wiggling, and exploring the world one tiny step at a time! In our infant classrooms, little ones are discovering language, experimenting with problem solving, and practicing social and emotional skills.

Toddlers Learn Through Creating, Playing, and Exploring

Toddlers are on the move! At this age, that’s totally normal as they learn and discover the world around them. In our toddler classrooms, they’re building confidence through creating art, learning their ABCs, imaginative play, and so much more.

Discovery Preschoolers Practice Independence

Discovery Preschoolers are channeling their creativity, learning how to express themselves, practicing motor skills, and experimenting with language and literacy in new, exciting ways.

Preschoolers Are Building So Many New Skills

Preschoolers are exploring science experiments, creating artwork, and playing pretend with friends. We’re also boosting literacy and social skills through letter-building and group art projects!

Prekindergarteners Are Doing Art, STEM, Letters, and More

Prekindergartners in our classrooms are organizing their ideas, problem-solving, and showing their creative side through hands-on, engaging activities—all the skills needed for their next big step: kindergarten!
Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids

Teachers You Can Trust

When we say we’ve got the best teachers around, we really mean it. You can rest assured that every team member clears rigorous national and state background checks. Plus, our hiring process includes the Gallup® Talent Assessment to make sure we hire educators who have that special something it takes to work with kids.

gallup
gallup

8-time Gallup® Exceptional Workplace Award Winner

Every year we check in with our amazing team to survey how engaged they are, and for 8 years running we’ve earned the Gallup® Exceptional Workplace Award! We’re the first and only early childhood education provider recognized, and one of just two companies worldwide to receive the honor eight years in a row.

gallup

Peace Of Mind From Drop-Off To Pick-Up

Child care isn’t just about caring for children—it’s about families and communities too! We’re committed to valuing the experiences and traditions you bring with you and honoring them within our community. Whenever you step through our front door, you’ll know that you’re in a place where your family is safe, happy, and celebrated for who they are.

Read on to see the KinderCare difference.

KinderCare App
boy playing
messaging icon
mom and infant
KinderCare App
boy playing
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mom and infant

Stay In Touch With The KinderCare App

Ever wonder what your little learner does all day? Download the KinderCare App. With a few taps, you can send messages to your center director, check on your child’s progress, and even get photos of all the fun they’re having.

Here’s a sneak peek of how it works!

Find Your Partner In Parenting

Our teachers join forces with families to help kids become lifelong learners while building confidence to live happy and healthy lives.

Take a moment to watch a KinderCare teacher and mom chat about how we’re the ultimate partners in parenting.

Hear From Families Like Yours

When it comes to deciding on a child care center, we know there’s nothing quite like hearing from the KinderCare community.


“As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing to the staff at KinderCare every day, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance he receives." 
- Becky T.

Get Judgment-Free Tips And Innovative Ideas

If you haven’t yet, check out our KinderCare blog. It’s where you can find answers to your questions about parenting, education, and health and safety, and even get inspired to bring more learning home.

See how you stay in the loop.

KinderCare App
boy playing
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mom and infant
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