Resources
Resources
What’s New
Empowering Childcare: Dr. DeShonda Jennings on Transforming Early Education and Building Stronger Communities
February 2, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Center for American Progress
Robust public investments can lift the weight of the child care affordability crisis off the safety net’s shoulders.
Department of Social Services: Subsidy (opens in new window)
Child Care Subsidy is a payment from the federal or state government to help families with the cost of child care.
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) (opens in new window)
VPI is a state-funded program that provides free, high-quality preschool programs for eligible four-year-olds not served by Head Start. This care is school day and school year Please reach out to your local school division for more information about VPI.
Head Start (opens in new window)
Head Start is a national, federally funded program that provides free, quality, comprehensive services to eligible pre-school children and their families. This care is school day and scoool year. Click the link below for TB5’s guide to Pre-K Application Information, organized by locality.
Child Care VA (opens in new window)
Child Care VA is a resource supported by the Virginia Department of Education. The “Search for Child Care” webtool provides facility information and inspection reports for licensed and religiously exempt child care centers, licensed and voluntarily registered family day homes, and certified pre-schools.
Child Care Aware of Virginia (opens in new window)
Child Care Aware of Virginia assists families with their child care search by providing free customized referrals to early care programs by phone by calling 1-866-KIDSTLC or on line in any language. You can talk with a specialist to help you understand your child care options and learn how to choose a program that meets your needs. If you would like personal assistance in finding child care, click the "Learn More" button.
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) (opens in new window)
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) plays a crucial role in overseeing and collecting data related to child care in Virginia. This includes information on licensing, quality ratings, enrollment statistics, and compliance with state regulations. Through its efforts, the VDOE aims to ensure that children in Virginia have access to safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environments. Families of young children in Virginia can use the VDOE’s new online portal to learn about the early childhood education options in their area.
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