Our History
We focus on system alignment, increasing access to early education, enhancing family connections, and improving the quality of services. Key initiatives include providing resources for families, coordinating community events, and promoting preschool enrollment and readiness.
The Road to Kids' First Years
A Collective Vision
ACT for Alexandria begins convening the Early Care and Education Work Group (ECEW) to develop a strategy for early childhood
Expanding the Conversation
ACT hosts the Early Care and Education IMPACT Forum highlighting state and national best practices
Understanding the Need
A Risk and Reach study completed to understand the landscape and needs in the community
A Vision for Our Youth
Children and Youth Master Plan approved by Alexandria City School Board and City Council
Collaboration Takes Hold
The ECEW selected to attend the National P-3 Institute in Seattle, WA
Formalizing the Partnership
Memorandum of Agreement between ACT, Alexandria City Public Schools, and the City of Alexandria signed for ACT to serve as convener of ECEW, responsible for progress of early childhood components of the Children and Youth Master Plan
Coordinating Grant Funding
The first collective grant, Quality Collaborative, awarded to support best practices in professional development for pre-K instruction
Common Agenda
The ECEW adopts a formal Common Agenda
Innovative Funding
First Fiscal Map of ECE Resources in Alexandria followed by launch of coordinated funding pilot
Opportunities for Alignment
Publicly funded ECE programs commit to using a common curriculum
Becoming a Public Resource
ECEW changes its name to Smart Beginnings Alexandria and joins a statewide network focused on ECE coordination
The Unexpected
COVID-19 brings ECE system to a halt
ECE Learning at Home
Partners support the coordination of at-home activity boards, materials, and technology devices provided to over 700 children enrolled in ECE programs
A Collective Approach
Common Agenda 2020 released
New Name, Same Focus
Rebranded as Kids’ First Years due to the state sunsetting the Smart Beginnings brand
A Citywide Initiative
The Basics Alexandria launches
Our Community Context
Landscape Analysis completed to provide information on the state of ECE in Alexandria
A New Non-Profit
Fiscal sponsorship with ACT for Alexandria ends and Kids’ First Years is incorporated in Virginia and designated a 501(c)3 organization
Elevating Family Voice
The Kids’ First Years Family Council launches
A New System for Access
ALX Preschool, a coordinated enrollment initiative designed to simplify preschool enrollment for families, launches
Month of the Young Child
Kids’ First Years hosts the inaugural Month of the Young Child celebration reaffirming the City’s commitment to young children, their families, and caregivers.
State of Early Childhood
Kids’ First Years convenes almost 100 leaders, businesses, educators, policymakers, and community advocates for the city’s first State of Early Childhood.
Get Help
We’ll connect you with the many places that welcome all the families in Alexandria and provided loving, high-quality care and education for young children.
