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National Children's Center, Inc. (NCC) was founded in 1957 by Hyman S. Paper and a group of his friends who were concerned about the lack of community-based services for children with mental retardation and their families. Then known as the Jewish Foundation for Retarded Children, NCC was incorporated in the District of Columbia on May 14, 1958. Children from the local community were enrolled into our first summer camp, residential and school programs. Our name was officially changed to National Children's Center, Inc. on February 26, 1970. Over the years, NCC began serving children with other developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and brain injuries. As our first children matured, NCC began to provide the adult services they required as well. Today, more than 600 children and adults, ages 8 weeks through 70+ years, with developmental disabilities each day receive the services they require to grow, live and thrive in our community. Consistent with our founder's vision, our mission is:To provide a lifetime of opportunities for people in our community with developmental disabilities to live full, meaningful and productive lives. We employ a staff of highly qualified professionals. Teachers, counselors, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, employment specialists, social workers, speech pathologists, direct care professionals, recreation specialists, nutritionists, physicians and nurses work as a team to provide holistic services. Psychiatrists, neurologists and other medical specialists are consulted as needed. Clients in all programs are evaluated on a regular basis to assess needs and progress. All NCC programs are fully licensed and certified. Our Board of Directors provides the corporate governance of National Children's Center, Inc. Our senior management team provides leadership for the day-to-day operations of NCC, which employs more than 450 staff. NCC's annual budget is $28 million.