Thrive Birth to Five
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.
Coming Soon!
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
Resources
Looking for more information? Thrive Birth to Five has gathered resources, data, and information on early childhood, all in one place.
Key News
Empowering Childcare: Dr. DeShonda Jennings on Transforming Early Education and Building Stronger Communities
February 2, 2025
|
Sheen Magazine
Dr. DeShonda Jennings is redefining what it means to be an advocate for children and families. With a legacy rooted in passion, education, and empowerment, this trailblazing childcare expert has touched lives across the globe as a business owner, coach, author, and international speaker. From founding DJ Shining Stars Daycare LLC® to mentoring countless childcare providers, Dr. Jennings has dedicated her career to transforming early education and creating sustainable futures for families and educators alike.
Virginia childcare providers can’t hire staff due to background check delays: 'When is it going to be fixed?'
January 27, 2025
|
WTVR
Several Central Virginia childcare directors and owners told CBS 6 they have been waiting weeks or months for the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) to process job candidates' fingerprint background checks, which is hindering the hiring of much-needed staff.
Thrive Birth to Five works to secure quality early childhood education for Emporia-Greensville
November 29, 2024
|
Independent Messenger
Accessible, affordable child care is a critical need in Emporia-Greensville and across the commonwealth. Thrive Birth to Five is leading the charge to bring quality early childhood education to the area.
Freeze on subsidized child care spots leaves families, providers in limbo
September 30, 2024
|
VPM
Thousands of children are stuck on waitlists. Last year, child care experts predicted tens of thousands of children in Virginia would lose access to child care when federal funding that had been subsidizing care for thousands of low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic expired in the summer of 2024.
Child Care Expenses Push an Estimated 134,000 Families into Poverty Each Year
October 31, 2024
|
Center for American Progress
Robust public investments can lift the weight of the child care affordability crisis off the safety net’s shoulders.
Get In Touch
Connect with Thrive Birth to Five to learn more.
