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Early Learning and Development
Our Focus
Current Priorities
The Early Learning and Development Working Group partners with child-care providers to enhance early learning programs for children.
- Prioritize early childhood workforce development and wage increases to ensure centers have a strong workforce available.
- Explore options for philanthropic, business and other community supports for childcare systems and “family friendly” practices.
- A Guide to How the Business Community Can Engage in Childcare – US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Promote a professional development and education hub so child-care providers can easily find training opportunities.
- Expand newly piloted Hampton Roads Shared Services model to help child-care providers work together and strengthen their businesses.
- Hampton Roads Shared Services Alliance Infographic - This two-page flier provides compelling data related to the shared services model here in Hampton Roads
- Increase regional utilization of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in child care centers and day home care settings.
- Establish resources and guidance for early childhood education directors and teachers when it comes to healthy social and emotional development.
- Mental Health Well-Being Support for Directors
- Early Childhood Marketplace Fact Sheet - Affordable and accessible coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
The Minus 9 to 5 initiative provides an incredible opportunity for me to contribute to big ideas that will improve our system of early care and education. The collaboration among organizations is allowing us to be much stronger together.
Lauren Small
Early Education Business Consultants, LLC
Working Group Members
Beth Anderson, Children’s HarborBeverly Becker, Square OneJoetta Camp, Virginia Star Quality Initiative – Tidewater Community CollegeMaggie Charlton, Tidewater Community CollegeTessa Davis, Armed Services YMCAEmily Edmonds, Chesapeake RU ReadyShikee Franklin, Early Head Start/ Head StartJulie Greene, Child Care AwareSharon Howell, Planning CouncilBryanna Huston, Children’s HarborKathryn Jessee, Chesapeake R U ReadyDusti Johnson-Brinker, Portsmouth Public SchoolsJordan Mellott, Great Bridge Child Care CenterRickeya Smith, Children’s HarborHeather Kitsis, VA QualityTiffany Langston, VA QualityPatricia Meyer, VDSS Eastern Region LicSusanne Rakes, Child Care AwareLinda Ross, Chesapeake DSSSara Rotherberg, EVMS Pediatrics, Community Health and ResearchLaura Roberts, Armed Forces YMCALauren Small, Early Education Business Consultants, LLCJerry Stewart, Early Education Business Consultants, LLCG. Lee Taylor, Children’s Center
Contact Beth Parker for more information at ParkerEK@EVMS.EDU