WASHINGTON — Blue seahorses and red tricycles rest in the sand while toddlers run around and their giggles fill the air.
Inside, children are playing with shapes, blocks, and pegs. Others play with sand and water. Some days, the children, who are ages 2 and a half to 6, watch the life cycles of caterpillars and grow tomatoes and flowers.
“They just flourish and blossom,” said Zakia Charfi, the administrator of the American University Child Development Center.
The center that sits on the American University campus opened in 1978 and continues to thrive and remains popular as it always operates at capacity—30 children–and with a wait list. That could be because Charfi offers three decades of childcare experience. Plus, other qualified teachers plan a monthly lesson in order to keep the children active.
“I love little children,” Charfi said. “You can teach them so much. They’re so innocent and curious.”
Even though the joyful sounds of children seem like all play, Charfi is constantly busy changing diapers, cleaning bathrooms, checking inventory and managing toddlers, who may shout “Mine!” to claim toys as their own. Charfi also manages two classrooms, one orange for the younger children and the other green for ages 4 to 6.
Despite high demand for infant childcare in the metropolitan D.C. area, Charfi explained the center starts at age 2 and a half because of the expense and potential health issues including immunizations associated with infants.
Even without little babies, the toddlers keep Charfi and the well-trained staff on their toes. Starting with a “rush hour” at 8 a.m., many children stay all day until it’s time to leave at 6 p.m.
Despite the long day, it’s the love of children that has kept her there for decades.
“If you don’t love children, there is no place for you here,” Charfi said. “I always tell [the teachers], ‘You’re here for the children.’”
No matter how challenging Charfi’s job gets, she continues to put in “200 percent” of her time. The children socialize, forming relationships and learning their routines.
Charfi smiled when she mentioned children who once were enrolled at the pre-school and now attend American University as students. Some stop by to tell her “Hi.”
With growing minds and budding friendships, the Child Development Center hopes to host future generations to come.
“They love each other,” Charfi said.