Virginia Beach GrowSmart

06/09/2021

Are you looking for a job that makes a meaningful difference? Do you want to build a brighter future for children and our community? The child care industry is HIRING! Plus, you can get FREE training and a BONUS once you are employed at a center for a month. Register for the HR Child Care Training Program https://vasharedservices.acquire4hire.com/careers/details.json?id=20908&source=17
Need assistance finding or paying for childcare to participate? Visit: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/cc/parents/index.html?pageID=4

Are you looking for a job that makes a meaningful difference? Do you want to build a brighter future for children and our community? The child care industry is HIRING! Plus, you can get FREE training and a BONUS once you are employed at a center for a month. Register for the HR Child Care Training Program https://vasharedservices.acquire4hire.com/careers/details.json?id=20908&source=17
Need assistance finding or paying for childcare to participate? Visit: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/cc/parents/index.html?pageID=4

06/04/2021

Calling All Parents & Caregivers of children ages 0 - 3 years of age! We are registering for our FREE LENA START parent groups. LENA Start supports families with simple techniques and talking tips you can utilize in your daily routines. Explore how to support your child's healthy development through early talk and interaction. Parents receive amazing resources and weekly books to build a home library and early love of learning! For more information email us at [email protected] or visit: https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start
#talkbuildsbabiesbrains #parentshavethepower

Calling All Parents & Caregivers of children ages 0 - 3 years of age! We are registering for our FREE LENA START parent groups. LENA Start supports families with simple techniques and talking tips you can utilize in your daily routines. Explore how to support your child's healthy development through early talk and interaction. Parents receive amazing resources and weekly books to build a home library and early love of learning! For more information email us at [email protected] or visit: https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start
#talkbuildsbabiesbrains #parentshavethepower

06/04/2021

Have you heard the news about HB2206? This bill has expanded access to help with child care costs. The Child Care Subsidy Program has temporarily expanded eligibility (including income eligibility and job search eligibility) through July 31, 2021 to now include job search as a qualifying category. Previously, parents or guardians had to be employed or participating in a work-related training or education program to qualify. Visit www.ChildCareVa.com to learn more. https://www.dss.virginia.gov/cc/parents/index.html?pageID=4

Have you heard the news about HB2206? This bill has expanded access to help with child care costs. The Child Care Subsidy Program has temporarily expanded eligibility (including income eligibility and job search eligibility) through July 31, 2021 to now include job search as a qualifying category. Previously, parents or guardians had to be employed or participating in a work-related training or education program to qualify. Visit www.ChildCareVa.com to learn more. https://www.dss.virginia.gov/cc/parents/index.html?pageID=4

05/31/2021

5/31 Two-Year Remembrance Ceremonial Video

Remembering those lost in the May 31st tragedy and all those who were impacted. 🙏🙏🤗🤗😓😓

05/24/2021

It is the time of year to celebrate our GRADUATES!!! GrowSmart wants to congratulate all of our LENA START families who graduated this spring!! What a committed group of families who spent 11 weeks strengthening their early talk skills with their babies! Today we want to celebrate each of you!!! Want to learn more about LENA START - visit: https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start . New classes begin in JUNE!! #parentshavethepower #talkbuildsbabiesbrains

It is the time of year to celebrate our GRADUATES!!! GrowSmart wants to congratulate all of our LENA START families who graduated this spring!! What a committed group of families who spent 11 weeks strengthening their early talk skills with their babies! Today we want to celebrate each of you!!! Want to learn more about LENA START - visit: https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start . New classes begin in JUNE!! #parentshavethepower #talkbuildsbabiesbrains

05/20/2021

Today was an exciting day! Virginia Beach welcomed First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam, Delegate Nancy Guy, Mayor Bobby Dyer and Councilman Michael Berlucchi at one our child care centers Childcare Network. First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam has been such a champion for early education and an advocate for families. It was a joy to celebrate CNI62's commitment to serving young children and families. CNI62 participates in Virginia Quality, is a DSS Subsidy vendor and engages in Infant Toddler Specialist coaching. We are so grateful for the commitment and vision of our First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam and our State and Local leadership for supporting #earlyeducation . If you need assistance with child care visit: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/cc/parents/index.html?pageID=4&fbclid=IwAR2cQQ9qdHlMa1aL2B6hxb3kHitpGbFCxXFxNu-Qgd5YA2ZPjSOjEJkP0Ck

04/30/2021

04/19/2021

Hampton Roads parents encouraged to register children for kindergarten now

Hampton Roads Kindergarten Registration for 2021-2022 kicks-off TODAY! Will your child by 5 by September 30th? Be sure to checkout Minus 9 to 5's Ready, Set, Register website for all the information you need - https://www.minus9to5.org/resources/kindergartenregistration/

Minus 9 to 5 has set up a central website to help parents in South Hampton Roads to help them register their children for kindergarten.

04/08/2021

Check out this hiring opportunity with Minus 9 to 5, Early Education Business Consultants, LLC, Virginia Quality Eastern Region at Tidewater Community College, Child Care Aware of Virginia, and Hampton Roads Workforce Council.

Check out this hiring opportunity with Minus 9 to 5, Early Education Business Consultants, LLC, Virginia Quality Eastern Region at Tidewater Community College, Child Care Aware of Virginia, and Hampton Roads Workforce Council.

03/18/2021

A special recognition of our GrowSmart Foundation Board Member

Today, we recognize Jane Short for her guidance and work towards a brighter, healthier community.

#LIVEUNITED #757United #leadership #womenpower

03/15/2021

Brain Awareness Week • Build your babies’ brains with early talk ⬇️

Happy Brain Awareness Week! Thanks to the Dana Foundation for shining a light on brain science.

This week, we're sharing six findings from our new report, Inside Early Talk: https://bit.ly/3vfAavW.

No. 1: Having back-and-forth exchanges with young children is so important for brain development, even when they're infants and toddlers. But what's the *right* amount of talk for optimal brain development?

#BrainAwarenessWeek #BrainWeek

03/12/2021

What a cool idea! ⬇️

Kudos to you, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and Virginia Beach Police Department

🚨👮🏻👮‍♂️🚔Does your child have a favorite toy that would like to go on an adventure with a police officer? Sign up to participate in this safe, free and family-friendly expedition!

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and Virginia Beach Police Department will document the toy’s journey on social media, and your child will receive a certificate with a picture of their toy and an officer on their ride along together. This is a FREE program and a rec center membership is not required.

Hurry! Toys need to report for duty starting March 26! Visit www.vbgov.com/recevents to learn more #toyridealong #callingalltoys #vbparksrec #vbpd #communityengagement

03/09/2021

Research suggests conversation, not just "30 million words" is key to building babies' brains

Did you know that conversational turns with your baby are powerful in the brain building years? Learn more in the video from LENA

Conversational turns are simple back and forth alternations between a child and an adult. Conversational turns are LENA’s proxy for quality “serve and return...

03/05/2021

GrowSmart is thrilled to have brought Read Across America Day back in 2021! It wasn’t the same but with guest readers like Chuck Clark of the Baltimore Ravens we provided a virtual experience. The best part? We still were able to provide take-home books for children in the participating schools, huge thanks to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Thank you, Chuck, for being a guest reader! 📚📖
Virginia Beach City Government
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#readacrossamerica #readingispower #readingmonth #readingisfundamental #virginiabeach

03/05/2021

GrowSmart is thrilled to have brought Read Across America Day back in 2021! It wasn’t the same but with guest readers like David Watford we provided a virtual experience. The best part? We still were able to provide take-home books for children in the participating schools. Thank you, David, for being a guest reader! 📚📖
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Virginia Beach City Government
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#readacrossamerica #readingispower #readingmonth #readingisfundamental #virginiabeach

03/05/2021

GrowSmart is thrilled to have brought Read Across America Day back in 2021! It wasn’t the same but with guest readers like Jennie we provided a virtual experience. The best part? We still were able to provide take-home books for children in the participating schools, in huge part of Jennie and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield! Thank you, Jennie, for being a guest reader! 📚📖
Virginia Beach City Government
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#readacrossamerica #readingispower #readingmonth #readingisfundamental #virginiabeach

03/05/2021

GrowSmart is thrilled to have brought Read Across America Day back in 2021! It wasn’t the same but with guest readers like Mayor Bobby Dyer we provided a virtual experience. The best part? We still were able to provide take-home books for children in the participating schools. Thank you, Mayor Dyer, for being a guest reader! 📚📖
Virginia Beach City Government
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
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#readacrossamerica #readingispower #readingmonth #readingisfundamental #virginiabeach

03/05/2021

GrowSmart is thrilled to have brought Read Across America Day back in 2021! It wasn’t the same but with guest readers like Councilman Aaron Rouse we provided a virtual experience. The best part? We still were able to provide take-home books for children in the participating schools. Thank you, Aaron, for being a guest reader! 📚📖
Virginia Beach City Government
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
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#readacrossamerica #readingispower #readingmonth #readingisfundamental #virginiabeach

03/02/2021

We love to see the fun of Read Across America Day!

🎈RAAD (Read Across America) DAY🎈
Thank you Virginia Beach GrowSmart for our wonderful books!

02/18/2021

Read Across America Day is coming back! We are excited to kick-off National Reading Month with our 7th annual celebration of Read Across America Day. This year’s virtual reading will be “The One Day House” by Julia Durango. We have some great guests joining us, who can guess it?? 📚📖 #readeveryday #readacrossamerica #RAAD #vbgrowsmart #vbreads

Read Across America Day is coming back! We are excited to kick-off National Reading Month with our 7th annual celebration of Read Across America Day. This year’s virtual reading will be “The One Day House” by Julia Durango. We have some great guests joining us, who can guess it?? 📚📖 #readeveryday #readacrossamerica #RAAD #vbgrowsmart #vbreads

02/16/2021

Raising children in the age of COVID-19: The pandemic’s effect on their development

Have you seen WAVY TV 10’s piece on the effects of the pandemic on young children?

Virginia Beach families, join GrowSmart and Virginia Beach Public Library for LENA Start this Spring. All classes are being offered virtually, but this 10-week program is sure to equip you with the tools to develop your baby’s brain through language and talk. Email us at [email protected] for more information.

The pandemic has strained parents more than ever before, and now we’re learning that those with newborns and toddlers are hitting developmental roadblocks.

02/02/2021

Here’s hoping for an early Spring! 🕳🦫

Punxsutawney Phil might just want to stay in his burrow with a good book! 😊

01/29/2021

Interested in learning more? Email us at [email protected] or visit us at https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start • Class info. below ⬇️

LENA Start in Virginia Beach is coming back! Join us (virtually) this Spring to build your baby's brain. Info. below, be sure to visit us at https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena for more information.

01/27/2021

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Childcare Provider Thank You Video

Sending a big THANK YOU to all Virginia Beach childcare providers!

Video from U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

To all the childcare providers across the country, we say, "Thank You."

01/25/2021

LENA Start is gearing up to launch again soon! Info. below ⬇️

LENA Start in Virginia Beach is coming back! Join us (virtually) this Spring to build your baby's brain. Info. below, be sure to visit us at https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena for more information.

01/22/2021

Please see this important information on COVID vaccinations in Virginia Beach. All of our early care and education providers fall into the 1B category. Make sure you register Monday - see the details below:

PLEASE SHARE: Beginning, Monday, Jan. 25, the Virginia Beach Health District will move into Phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccinations. Phase 1b includes frontline essential workers, anyone age 65 and older, and those individuals age 16-64 years with high-risk medical conditions. Individuals who fall into Phase 1b must pre-register to receive the vaccine through a new online portal that will also be available beginning Monday, Jan. 25. To access the portal, visit vbgov.com/vaccinatevb (the link is not currently live) and input your personal information. To get ready, registrants must have a working email address. Chrome is the preferred browser for the portal. For additional details, visit https://www.vbgov.com/news/pages/selected.aspx?release=5131&title=virginia+beach+health+district+will+expand+covid-19+vaccination+to++%e2%80%9cphase+1b%e2%80%9d+recipients

01/15/2021

LENA Start in Virginia Beach is coming back! Join us (virtually) this Spring to build your baby's brain. Info. below, be sure to visit us at https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena for more information.

LENA Start in Virginia Beach is coming back! Join us (virtually) this Spring to build your baby's brain. Info. below, be sure to visit us at https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena for more information.

01/11/2021

Early care and education providers and stakeholders see this important information and upcoming webinar for updates on CARES III and vaccinations for early educators. Link to register is below:

Child care providers and early childhood stakeholders: Join us on January 14 at 3:30pm for a briefing on CARES III grants and COVID-19 vaccinations for child care providers. We will be joined by Dr. Danny Avula, Director of Richmond City and Henrico County Health Departments and Jessica Silva, Licensing Administrator, Virginia Department of Social Services. Register here https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2350564957419763725

12/20/2020

City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services with Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore will have a drive-thru food pantry this Tuesday, December 22nd ⬇️

The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, will host a drive-thru food pantry for #virginiabeach residents at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at the Human Services Administration Building parking lot, 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd. The pantry will distribute fresh food on a first come, first serve basis and will run until 2 p.m., or until supplies have been exhausted, whichever occurs first.

12/19/2020

Virginia Task Force: Make Childcare Affordable for All

Be sure to check out the announcement & recommendations from SmartBeginnings’ Back to Work Virginia Task Force yesterday. This task force is working hard to set the Commenwealth up for years of success starting with our earliest learners.

A task force made up of childcare and early childhood education advocates is calling on Virginia to make childcare services available and affordable to everyone by 2030. Legislators endorsed the idea, though they have not yet propose any policies.

12/18/2020

Congratulations to our newest LENA Start graduates! GrowSmart, along with friends of Virginia Beach Public Library, offered 3️⃣ virtual class options for families. This Fall’s classes saw 88% graduate with a 55% increase in conversational turns. We are so proud of each family for their dedication to supporting the healthy development of their baby.

✨NEW✨ virtual class options will launch in February 2021!