The Importance of Early Childhood Care and Education
For children aged birth to five, every day counts. Our vision is that all children in our region will thrive and race, place, and income will no longer determine success in school.
Our Mission
Since 1996, Thrive Birth to Five has collaborated to build our region’s early childhood system and is a trusted steward of early childhood resources for families, providers and the ecosystem supporting them.
Birth to age five is a critical time in every child’s development. As children learn, play, and experience the world, their brains are growing: 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five. Thrive Birth to Five is dedicated to creating an Early Childhood Care and Education system in Central Virginia that gives every child a chance to succeed during these important years.
Thrive Birth to Five partners with providers, families, and organizations throughout the region to strengthen quality, increase accessibility, and expand the capacity of care.
Families & Caregivers
Resources to support families on their journey with children from birth to age five.
Educators & Observers
Learn more about the Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) initiative.
Advocates & Partners
Local governments, community organizations, business leaders, and other stakeholders benefit from a strong early care system.
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Early Childhood Systems
Thrive Birth to Five is the lead organization for Ready Region Central, bringing strategic leadership of early childhood care and education services to prepare children for success.
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About Us
Thrive Birth to Five is dedicated to building a high-quality early childhood care and education system in Central Virginia through increased quality, access, capacity, and parental choice.
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Resources
Looking for more information? Thrive Birth to Five has gathered resources, data, and information on early childhood, all in one place.
Key News
Amid fraud claims, Trump admin announces more changes to federal child care funding
January 9, 2026
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NPR
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that it would rescind a series of Biden-era rules governing one of the largest federal funding sources for child care. The move comes less than a week after HHS confirmed it was freezing all federal funding through that same program.
In statewide survey, employers say Virginia child care crisis negatively impacts businesses
January 9, 2026
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Virginia Mercury
Eight out of ten Virginia employers say child care challenges hinder hiring and retention.
Top 10 Wins for Babies in 2025
January 9, 2026
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Zero to Three
The Baby Agenda is winning — and the proof is in the states, Congress, and the ballot box. In a year where policies and systems supporting babies faced unprecedented threats, it is important to recognize and celebrate wins.
Child Care Costs More than Rent in Most Metro Areas. Why Can't We Fix That?
January 5, 2026
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EdSurge
A recent analysis of the 100 largest U.S. metro areas found that the cost of child care for a family with two young children is more expensive than the average rent in each respective market.
Youngkin's budget partially funds Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program
January 5, 2026
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VPM
Outgoing Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin rolled out his final budget proposal Wednesday, touting growing state revenues, large Medicaid investments and more. While he mentioned early childhood education investments, the issue wasn't a central focus of this year's budget address — as it was two years ago.
Get In Touch
Connect with Thrive Birth to Five to learn more.
