Community

The early years are critical to all future learning.  By the time a child turns eight, his or her third-grade outcomes can predict future academic achievement and career success.  Investing in programs that support learning in the years prior to school entrance directly leads to positive outcomes for both children and the community.  When we invest in early childhood, children are more likely to read on grade-level by the end of third grade, graduate from high school, have good health, get higher paying jobs, and contribute more toward the costs of important public services.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that childcare is a critical part of the infrastructure of our county. The crisis has shown the extent that our entire commonwealth relied on the early education system so that healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers were able to keep working when we needed them most. As state and local leaders begin to develop plans for moving the Commonwealth forward, it is important that our early learning programs be supported.  Most parents can’t go back to work without reliable, high-quality childcare.

Childcare and early childhood education are part of our economic infrastructure, and they are vital for families in Virginia. Please take a few minutes and contact your elected representatives to extend the investment in early childhood programs that will stabilize this vital public/private system.

Tell Congress to support early education

Tell state policy makers to support early education

We know that the COVID has had significantly impacted the lives of children, families, and education providers in Virginia. We are collecting stories about how this has affected your childcare center, your job, your family, and your wellbeing. Tell us your concerns and what support you think is needed to help the early childhood system.

Share Your Story to info@vaelp.org