Neighborhood and Community Services

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12011 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Lloyd Tucker
Director

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Early Childhood Strategic Plan

For decades, Fairfax County has made a deep and unwavering commitment to its young children. By investing in early childhood programs, resources and partnerships, we are ensuring that all children have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

We believe that every child deserves a strong foundation, and we are taking action to make that happen. Building upon the 2017 School Readiness Strategic Plan, Strong Foundations, Bright Futures: A Strategy for Early Childhood in Fairfax County sets a renewed vision for the county in support of its youngest residents.

Strong Foundations, Bright Futures

A Strategy for Early Childhood in Fairfax County

VISION: Every child in Fairfax County has a strong foundation to thrive and meet their full potential.

MISSION: Fairfax County commits to delivering a dynamic early childhood system that advances equity and prepares all young children for lifelong learning, wellness, and success.

Goals

 

All children are able to grow and develop within a safe, healthy, and nurturing environments.

 

 

Strategy 1.1: Expand early care during pregnancy and for babies

Strategy 1.2: Strengthen family-centered and preventive health services

Strategy 1.3: Integrate and increase mental and behavioral health support

Strategy 1.4: Expand public supports for families to meet their basic needs

 

All children have equitable access to high-quality early education across all the settings where they live, play, and learn.

 

Strategy 2.1: Support families as their child’s first teacher and strongest champion

Strategy 2.2: Increase awareness of and connections to early learning programs

Strategy 2.3: Expand early learning and care opportunities for infants and toddlers.

Strategy 2.4: Expand affordable preschool access for income-eligible 3-and-4 year old children across the county.

Strategy 2.5: Expand “nontraditional” options to meet the diverse needs of families

Strategy 2.6: Enhance high-quality environments that support children’s growth and learning

Strategy 2.7: Strengthen learning experiences with activities beyond the classroom

Strategy 2.8: Improve inclusive services for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

Strategy 2.9: Advance practices that support equitable care for young learners

 

All early childhood professionals are well-prepared, receive equitable pay and benefits to support their wellness, and are valued for the important work they do each day.

 

Strategy 3.1: Support more equitable compensation for early childhood professionals

Strategy 3.2: Establish viable career pathways and professional development opportunities

Strategy 3.3: Increase support for recruitment and retention efforts

 

The early childhood system is driven by collaboration and partnerships, fully funded and data-informed to meet the diverse needs of Fairfax County’s children, families and communities.

 

 

Strategy 4.1: Strengthen communications about the importance of early childhood

Strategy 4.2: Improve data use to inform decision and advance equity

Strategy 4.3: Secure diverse and stable funding to sustain the early childhood system

Strategy 4.4: Adopt a community-driven approach to system change

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