Programs & Services /Investing in Virginia’s Children / Child & Family Services of Eastern Virginia

Home / Programs & Services / Investing in Virginia’s Children /

Investing in Virginia’s Children

In March 2005, Child & Family Services – on behalf of the Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads Coalition – was one of three Virginia sites to receive a $500,000 “Investing in Virginia’s Children” grant from the Virginia Department of Social Service’s Division of Child Care and Development.

The objective? To establish model community initiatives that will improve the quality of care for young children, from birth to age five. Ultimately, the initiatives should help children enter school ready to learn.

The grant required a $250,000 match, which was provided by the Batten Educational Achievement Fund of The Norfolk Foundation. Child & Family Services is the project manager and fiscal agent of the grant.

The coalition has been busy since the grant was awarded and has:

Conducted two studies on the impact and quality of early care and education in South Hampton Roads: “Who’s Caring for Our Children?” and “The Economic Impact of the Child Care and Early Education Industry in South Hampton Roads”
Worked with colleges and universities to create an effective system of professional development for those who work with young children, including an articulation agreement between Tidewater Community College and Norfolk State University enabling easier transfer of credits towards a four-year degree.
Created a Professional Development Career Advancement Lattice for early childcare professionals.
Launched pilot efforts to improve child care quality
Designed Community Connections: “A Resource Guide for Families, Caregivers and Educators of Young Children in South Hampton Roads”.
Developed plans for public engagement around early education issues

To find out more about “Investing In Virginia’s Children,” contact Lisa Howard at 757. 622.7017, ext. 125. Also visit the state’s early childhood website at www.smartbeginnings.org

This project was supported by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Grant # 93.575, with funds made available to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Points of view or opinions contained within this website are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of VDSS or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Matching funds were provided by the Batten Educational Achievement Fund of The Norfolk Foundation.