Thank you for joining us in September

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the Early Childhood Champions award program breakfast this past September. As we reflect on this event, we are filled with optimism about existing and future partnerships. Thank you for taking time to join us in celebration of our NRV early childhood educators.

Keep reading to learn more about upcoming events and and the positive impact your partnership has on our community. 

Click here to read the Virginia Tech News article on the event!

Join Us in January 

Virginia Tech, in partnership with First Steps is excited to reconvene the NRV Childcare Summit Series via zoom on January 23, 2024.  

During this virtual meeting, Lauren Small, CEO of Early Education Business Consultants will share insight on the fiscal issues faced by early care and education business leaders and describe the daily landscape that these administrators must manage as they navigate the fractured business model that is the foundation of child care.

You are invited! Click here to RSVP.

Success in partnership with First Steps and New River Community College 

A recent article published by the Roanoke Times highlights the first event of its kind hosted at New River Community College in partnership with VT Early Childhood Initiatives and First Steps. “Early Childhood Career Day: Those Who Can Teach!” focused on recruiting and developing the early childhood workforce. Questions? Contact Kim Thomason for more information. 

Partner Spotlight: Community Foundation and First Steps

Community Foundation Logo

First Steps was created in 2016 and has been leading the way in the NRV to support young children and families. If you’ve been looking for the handout we shared on supporting childhood educators the NRV, that resource and many others are located on the Community Foundation of the NRV’s website for First Steps.

First Steps Resources

Save the Date! March 12, 2024

Make plans to join us this spring at the NRV Childcare Summit Series in person event at the Inn at Virginia Tech on March 12, 2024. Do you or someone you know need help paying for childcare? If child care is needed due to work, job search, work-related training or education the Child Care Subsidy Program(CCSP) may be able to help! Program eligibility has expanded to offer financial assistance to more families than ever before. Click here to learn more. 

More child care resources from Virginia Department of Education