Igniting our community's commitment to early childhood.
The first five years are a time of wonder and discovery when 90% of a child's brain gets wired. Virginia families and early childhood educators toil, day after day, to help young children develop the right cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills for success in school and in life.
But the responsibility falls on too few, and many lack access to the critical resources, connections, and support they need to succeed. Despite their best efforts, kids are falling through the cracks.
That’s where we come in.
FirstSpark is a nonprofit that shapes the future of child care and development. Beyond the training and support programs we provide, we are a true "systems builder"—bringing together policymakers, community leaders, caregivers, parents, and educators through our role as a lead organization in the state's Ready Regions network. FirstSpark also serves as:
-
An expert providing on-the-ground support and training for both parents and educators
-
A navigator facilitating access to quality early education for all children in our region from birth to age 5.
-
A champion making sure all parties that shoulder the responsibility of nurturing tomorrow's citizens get the emotional support they need today.
How is FirstSpark Here for You?
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS
FirstSpark reaches out to regulated family day home child care providers, child care centers and preschools in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Peninsulas and the Northern Neck.
Whether you are a provider, teacher, academician or other professional working in the field of early care and education, we will provide you with up-to-date information that can support you in your work. Take advantage of our free and low-cost professional development, as well as assistance to become regulated through our Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) program.
PARENTS
Whether you're an expectant parent or have young children, we're here to support you and help give your child the best start possible. Contact us if you need to:
-
Find child care
-
Get many other resources for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
VIEW OUR ONLINE BOOK
Our free e-book is filled with ideas and resources for both parents and educators, especially in an age of virtual learning.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
We're always eager to work with other nonprofits, health care and early childhood agencies, and businesses that want to help support young children. Whether we're providing services or support to you—or vice versa—please reach out so we can discuss the best way to partner.
FREE READINESS CHECKLISTS:
Click on the image to see and download our Kindergarten Readiness Checklist. They can be used at your preschool, child care center, pediatrician's office or any other place frequented by families of young children.
DONORS
Young children are EVERYONE's future. It takes the whole community contributing to make our efforts possible. State funding doesn’t necessarily follow the
greatest needs—but our organization does. Help us ensure every child in our area gets the best possible start.
WATCH OUR READINESS VIDEO
2022 IMPACT REPORT
Find out how many children and families we helped this year, and the ways we made a difference. VIEW >
