Current Initiatives
The Mixed Delivery Grant, funded by the Virginia Department of Education through the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, supports public/private systems of preschool delivery focused on expanding access to publicly funded preschool services for unserved and underserved three- and four-year old children within high-quality, community-based, early care and education settings. Additionally, MDG helps coordinate and integrate multiple funding streams to strengthen the financial stability of programs.
In 2020, Kids’ First Years, in partnership with The Campagna Center, The Child and Family Network Centers, and Creative Play School was awarded a multi-year grant to support quality preschool experiences and expand services for 60 three and four-year olds. More information about the Mixed Delivery Grant can be found here.
Shared Successes
In an effort to simplify early childhood enrollment for families and providers, Kids’ First Years convenes the Enrollment Coordinators Committee to promote community collaboration around enrollment practices. This includes managing and disseminating information, coordinating eligibility criteria, using a common application, and creating a shared waitlist.
Enrollment Coordinators walk parents through the enrollment process and make sure they know what steps come next, including referrals to other programs, if needed. The coordinators maintain a shared online drive to better coordinate materials and meetings. They provide an invaluable “on-the-ground” perspective of what is working for families, what needs to be addressed, and what new trends are emerging.
