News and Information
December 13, 2019
Office for Children Hosts Visit with Early Head Start Family Child Care Partner
On December 10, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam announced that his proposed budget will include $94.8 million in new funding for early childhood care and education. This historic investment will increase early childhood education access for at-risk three- and four-year-olds and ensure educators have the training and support they need, especially in child care settings.
Family Child Care Partner Lilian Llanos and First Lady Pamela Northam.
The Governor’s announcement took place at the ACCA Child Development Center in Annandale, which participates in the Virginia Preschool Initiative program and is a long-time Office for Children partner.
Afterward, OFC Head Start Division Director Jennifer Branch was pleased to accompany First Lady Pamela Northam to the Annandale home of Lilian Llanos, an Early Head Start Family Child Care Partner. For nearly 11 years, Mrs. Llanos has provided high-quality care for infants and toddlers in her home. She implements the Creative Curriculum® for Family Child Care and has a Child Development Associate credential. As an EHS partner, she meets federal Head Start performance standards.
During her visit with First Lady Northam, Mrs. Llanos demonstrated how she provides enriching learning experiences that support all areas of development for the children in her care.
The First Lady of Virginia is a vocal advocate of school readiness. As quoted in Governor Northam’s press release, Mrs. Northam said: “Too often, our most vulnerable children lack access to the high-quality, affordable education they need. These bold changes will grow and train our educator workforce, support families across the Commonwealth, and ensure our youngest Virginians have a strong start in life.”
First Lady Pamela Northam proudly displays artwork created by children. Pictured from left are Priscila Bruzonic, Child Care Provider Assistant; Greta Chacon, OFC Education Specialist; Lilian Llanos, Child Care Provider; Pamela Northam; Jennifer Branch, Fairfax County Head Start Division Director; and Maureen Hussey, OFC Family Child Care Specialist.
December 2, 2019
The Herndon Senior Center wants to help make your weekend count! Starting January 3, 2020, the center will stay open an additional four hours (through 8 p.m.) on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate members who work during the day. Herndon is one of 14 Senior Centers in Fairfax County catering specifically to adults ages 50 and over. Registered members enjoy a diverse program of social and recreational activities, including fitness, art, technology and many special interests. All Senior Centers also offer a weekday lunchtime meal and transportation options.
During the extended evening hours, members can work out in the fitness center, enjoy a game of ping pong or billiards, or socialize over a game of mahjong or chess. They can also sign up for a wide variety of classes led by certified instructors or join specialized community groups which fit their interests.
Fairfax County Senior Centers welcome prospective members to try out the facilities with a free visit. Senior Center membership fees for Fairfax County residents range from $24 to $48 annually based on household income. Non-county residents may purchase memberships for $100 per year.
The Herndon Senior Center is located at 873 Grace Street in Herndon and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended to 8 p.m. beginning January 3). For more information, call 703-464-6200.
November 12, 2019
PVI head coach Glen Farello and PVI basketball players show off donated shoes during last year’s event.
Registration Open for Sharing Shoes Basketball Clinic on December 1
For the second year, F.A.S.T., short for Fairfax Athletes Stand Together, is partnering with non-profit Sharing Shoes to collect new and gently used sneakers for local athletes. This campaign, culminating in a free basketball clinic on December 1, aligns with F.A.S.T.’s mission to provide those in need with quality-of-life essentials such as food and clothing.
F.A.S.T. is a collaborative network of county government, community nonprofits and athletic organizations that support underserved populations in Fairfax County. The group began partnering with Sharing Shoes in October 2018 and helped collect and distribute over 300 pairs of shoes last year.
“Shoes are a very important part of basketball and athletic activity. Our partnership vision is to provide every kid a chance to access athletic footwear to stay active,” said Chris Pulley, Community Outreach Specialist for NCS Athletic Services.
Registration is now open for the second annual Sharing Shoes Basketball Clinic, scheduled for December 1, 2019 at Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. The free clinic is open to kids in third through eighth grades, and registration is required. New and gently used basketball shoes will be collected during the event.
In addition to helping collect the shoes, F.A.S.T. will work with the Chantilly Youth Association to distribute athletic footwear to Fairfax County athletes and those in need.
To register for the basketball clinic and/or donate sneakers at the event, visit sharingshoes.org/events.
