In Virginia and across the country, children are suffering due to the multifaceted impacts of poverty. A new Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT report highlights how childhood poverty is a policy choice and how investments in supportive programs can reduce harm to children and families.

A University of Virginia survey found many people on a waitlist for government help with childcare are having to choose between working and taking care of their kids. The survey was conducted this fall in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, hoping to get a better idea of how the 13,500 on the childcare subsidy waitlist are impacted.

A child’s readiness for kindergarten includes both academic and social-emotional skills developed at home, school, and in their community. The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) gives schools, teachers and families a more complete picture of school readiness in 4 key areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Self-Regulation, and Social Skills.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) announced today the release of 3,293 early childhood site quality ratings via VQB5, Virginia’s statewide early childhood measurement system. Along with the Governor’s Building Blocks for Virginia Families initiative which invests $1.2 billion in early childhood slots this biennium, VQB5 enables more Virginia working families to choose and access high quality birth-to-five experiences that prepare their children for kindergarten.

A group of state lawmakers, officials and experts have been discussing a funding formula for early childhood education. Right now, Virginia does not automatically include additional funding for state-subsidized child care in each two-year budget cycle. Additionally, the state constitution requires investments for K-12, but not in early childhood education. Advocates say developing a formula would send a powerful message: that Virginia recognizes the importance of early childhood education.