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Invest in Alexandria's Future
There are more than 11,000 infants, toddlers and young children in the City of Alexandria. While their futures are promising, what kids experience in their first five years impacts how they succeed for years to come. Kids’ First Years mission is to ensure every child in Alexandria has a strong start in life. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their socioeconomic background. It takes all of us – families, business leaders, policymakers, educators and community members – to invest in our youngest residents and build this thriving community.
As part of a collaborative network, Kids’ First Years works tirelessly to create a coordinated system that ensures equitable access, enrollment, and funding for essential services.
By supporting Kids’ First Years, you are contributing to a comprehensive effort to provide the resources and support children need to succeed. Together, we can build a brighter future for all children in our community.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, donations made to Kids’ First Years are tax-deductible.
Our tax identification number is EIN 88-3135175.
Other Ways to Support
If you are interested in volunteering to support our collective efforts or providing in-kind support, please email info[at]kidsfirstyears[dot]org.
Opportunities include:
- Supporting community events through volunteering or donation of materials and supplies
- Assembling activity kits for The Basics Alexandria
- Providing administrative support
- Providing pro-bono services such as training, advertising space, printing, photography/videography, catering, etc.
To donate by mail
Kids’ First Years
Attn: Gift Giving
311 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Discover the Difference We've Made — Together
This year has been one of growth, impact, and meaningful progress. Our Annual Report highlights the milestones we’ve achieved, the lives we’ve touched, and the vision that drives us forward. We invite you to explore the stories, data, and innovations that reflect our commitment to making a lasting difference.
Why Early Care for Every Child Matters
When we invest in early childhood supports now, it leads to a thriving City of Alexandria today and for decades to come.
For kids…
When young kids get a strong start in life, they are more likely to build the skills they need to succeed personally – AND contribute to a strong economy.
- Our brains develop more rapidly in the first five years of life than at any other time
- Research shows the quality of care and learning that happens during that time can significantly impact success, health and happiness for the rest of our lives
For businesses and our economy…
When parents and caregivers have what they need to take care of their families, they’re:
- 21% more productive at work
- less likely to be absent – companies with supported employees enjoy 41 percent less absenteeism overall
- 59% less likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months
Why Kids' First Years
At Kids’ First Years, we know we’re in this together. We’re a nonprofit, but we represent a collective partnership. We:
• Prioritize kids and families with everything we do. We connect families, caregivers and our community members with the right resources to support kids’ health, well-being and learning during the first five years – a crucial window for children’s brain development.
• Collaborate with experts to ensure we’re supporting kids and families in the best ways possible. Our collective includes parents and caregivers, doctors and nurses, nonprofit and foundation leaders, public school and early learning educators, government officials, business leaders and community members.
• Make smart investments. From Community Baby Showers that connect new and expectant families with crucial resources to helping parents find affordable child care, we focus on what most helps families thrive.
For example, in one year alone, we:
Increased preschool enrollment by 40 percent among families in West End – one of the city’s most underserved areas
Provided play group materials and supported early learning for 190 students enrolled in The Center for Alexandria’s Children Learn&PlayGroups™
Shared grants with:
- 54 publicly funded classrooms, helping teachers better support their students
- three collective partner organizations, with a focus on mental health and wellness
