McLean Baptist Church Proposes New Child Care Center To Meet Local Demand

MCLEAN, VA — McLean Baptist Church has filed a formal request with Fairfax County to expand its mission by opening a child care center and early education program serving up to 75 children.

The proposal, submitted as an amendment to the church’s existing special permit, would repurpose the building’s ground level to accommodate children ages 2.5 to 12 years old. The program plans to offer preschool, pre-kindergarten, and before- and after-school enrichment.

In a statement of justification filed with the county, church officials said the initiative is designed to address a "significant shortage" of licensed child care spaces in McLean. The project aims to provide full-day, year-round care to support working parents while utilizing existing facilities.

The church, located at 1367 Chain Bridge Road, is situated in an R-2 and R-3 residential zoning district near Franklin Sherman Elementary School. To mitigate potential traffic congestion, the church has proposed a staggered scheduling system.

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Arrivals for the child care center would conclude by 8:30 a.m., before the elementary school’s morning window begins, and most afternoon pickups would occur after the school’s dismissal.

"The proposed use is a natural and compatible extension of the site's longstanding educational and community service functions," the church stated in its filing.

Key details of the proposal include:

• Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Staffing: Approximately 15 to 18 employees.
• Facilities: Use of existing classrooms and a fenced outdoor play area; no new construction is planned.
• Traffic Management: A designated drop-off loop and staff-led vehicle assistance to prevent queuing on Chain Bridge Road.

To minimize noise for neighboring residents, outdoor play will be restricted to rotating groups of no more than 15 children at a time. The playground is located on the side of the property buffered by the church building and existing landscaping.

The application was officially accepted by Fairfax County on March 13. It will now move forward for review by the Board of Zoning Appeals.