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SEEC serves children from eight weeks through five years of age, grouped in age-appropriate classrooms: infants, young toddlers, older toddlers, and preschool. Children move through the program as they grow.

Families submit an enrollment application along with a non-refundable application fee (sliding scale, starting at $50). Applications are sorted into three lists by employment status: Smithsonian employees, federal employees, and the general public. On March 1 each year, children are selected through a random number lottery, and families not selected are placed on the waiting list for the remainder of the year. Once selected, families pay a $100 registration fee to secure the space.

Yes. Siblings of currently enrolled SEEC children of Smithsonian employees receive priority status at the time of application. If no opening is immediately available, siblings are placed on a separate Sibling Waiting List.

Yes. SEEC provides a hot catered lunch and snacks every day, included in tuition. Whole milk is offered to children over 12 months at morning snack and lunch. Families and educators work together to transition infants from baby food to the catered lunch program. Special diets for medical, religious, or cultural reasons are accommodated, with families providing appropriate alternatives.

Yes. Financial aid is available for qualifying families. SEEC also accepts Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) for eligible military families. Email seecinfo@si.edu to learn about eligibility and the application process.

SEEC follows American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Children stay home when they have a fever over 100°F (armpit) or 101°F (oral) accompanied by behavioral changes, any fever in infants under four months, vomiting two or more times in 24 hours, persistent diarrhea, or rash with fever. If symptoms develop during the school day, families are asked to pick up within one hour of notification.

SEEC closes whenever the Smithsonian Institution closes for inclement weather, and families are notified by 6:30 a.m. via email. In the event of a federal furlough lasting more than one week, families may suspend their tuition payment plan for the duration of the closure. If federal salaries are paid retroactively, tuition is owed in full and due within two weeks of reopening.

Yes. SEEC welcomes children with diverse needs and supports their growth through personalized interactions and collaboration with families and outside experts. Children age three and up are screened for developmental milestones at the start of the school year, with vision screenings in the preschool year and hearing screenings in the fours year. All screenings are done with parent or guardian permission.