Robert E. Simon Jr. Children’s Center Marks 30 Years in Reston

This month, The Robert E. Simon Jr. Children’s Center marks thirty years serving area families with high-quality childcare. Named for Reston’s founder, the nonprofit Simon Center provides families throughout Northern Virginia with a warm, responsive and caring environment for children to learn and grow.

“The Simon Center is proud to have served families for three decades,” said Director Jen Peters, who has been on the staff since 2001. “Whether they are new to the area or have multiple generations invested in the local community, we offer our families a safe place for kids to feel at home. Our family-first culture is what makes us special, and we look forward to being a trusted partner for years to come.”

Opened in 1990, the Simon Center was part of the Reston Area Child Care Consortium, a collection of employers, community residents, parents, educators and professionals concerned about the childcare needs in the growing community. The Simon Center earned its accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children in 2000, and in 2019 it was named one of Northern Virginia’s Best Daycares by Northern Virginia Magazine.

“Organizations like the Simon Center are part of the fabric of our local community,” said Virginia State Senator Janet Howell (D-32nd). “Access to high-quality early childhood education is essential to the social and economic vitality of our region, and it is wonderful to see this community-based center thrive these many years.”

Built on the understanding that each child is unique, the Simon Center accommodates the developmental stages of children ages three months to five years (pre-Kindergarten). With the philosophy that children learn best through organized and free play, the staff and curriculum respect each individual and allow for flexibility and choice.

“The Simon Center’s 30-year commitment to the success of local children is giving our youngest citizens a solid foundation for the future,” said Delegate Ken Plum (D-36th). “Preparing young children for a strong start to their education must be a priority for communities everywhere, and we should be proud that a partner like the Simon Center is a part of ours.”

The Simon Center offers children age-appropriate activities and “learning centers” throughout the day, as well as a healthful menu of breakfast, lunch and snacks. Special programs are offered throughout the week, including yoga, Spanish-language instruction, and world music and cultures, as well as visits from local partners including the Fairfax County Public Library, the Walker Nature Center, and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

The Simon Center offers full-time care five days a week for children ages three months to five years (Pre-K). Enrollment is now open in all age groups. For more information, or to schedule a visit to the Center, please visit www.simoncenter.org.