About Us

Takoma Park Child Development Center

Takoma Park Child Development Center (TPCDC) is a private, nonprofit early childhood program serving children ages 18 months to 12 years. The Center is located in the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, in Takoma Park's historic district.

How We Started

TPCDC was founded in 1981 as a mission of the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church. At first, it served just a few children, many of whom were affiliated with the church. In 1997, TPCDC became an independently operated 501(c)3 nonprofit program. The Center and Church maintain a positive and supportive relationship.

Over the years, the organization has grown in size and added new programs for toddlers and school-age children. Today, TPCDC serves more than 100 families, and is an established and well-respected part of the Takoma Park community.

Our Philosophy

At TPCDC, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where children learn to be cooperative and positive community members. Through play, literature, music, art, and outdoor activities, children develop foundational skills that prepare them for school and life.

During a student’s journey at the Center, we focus on the development of the whole child while facilitating growth in the areas of language and literacy, cognitive development, gross and fine motor skills, social-emotional development, and life skills.

It is our belief that an early childhood educational facility should be an extension of each child’s family. We aim to create a caring, supportive environment for all parents and families, and we welcome their positive involvement at all times.

Our commitment to your family continues after your child's first five years, too. We provide programs for school-age children: before and after care, and care when school's out — for just a day or the full summer.

What Makes Us Different

• Multiple field trips monthly for preschool students (We own a bus with car seats!)
• Experienced teachers with high retention rates
• Students are outside for play time and community walks up to three times a day
• Music and physical education enrichment classes

Our Core Values

Commitment to Our Mission and Vision TPCDC's mission is to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment where a positive sense of self, feelings of trust and security, and a love for learning and respect for others will develop. The Center is dedicated to promoting a harmonious, diverse community, and to supporting families by providing consistent, convenient, affordable, and high quality child care.

Commitment to Respect and Compassion Building a positive school community and culture requires a foundation of respect and compassion. We have the highest expectation that all students, educators, families, and community members are treated with respect, kindness, and sensitivity. We teach this in social-emotional lessons to our students and actively model it in our interactions with each other.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Takoma Park Child Development Center believes that all children have the right to equitable learning opportunities to grow into global citizens who care about the world and the people around them. We are committed to advancing equity, embracing diversity, and fostering an environment of inclusion. We value a diverse community that welcomes people of any race, national or ancestral origin, religion, economic circumstance, gender identity and expression, family composition, and sexual orientation.