Virginia Beach GrowSmart

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!

12/16/2020

COVID-19 has impacted Virginia’s families and our youngest learners profoundly. The Virginia Department of Education - VDOE, the SmartBeginnings (VECF), and the University of Virginia would like your help in spreading the word about the 2020 Virginia Survey of Families with Young Children.

The purpose of this survey is to better understand children’s care and/or education experiences during COVID-19. We want to hear from as many Virginia families of young children as possible.
Please encourage all families at your program to complete the survey online at: vafamilysurvey.info

COVID-19 has created new challenges for Virginia's families. If you are a Virginia parent or guardian of a young child (birth through kindergarten), the University of Virginia wants to hear about your child's care and/or education experiences this year! Click here to take the Virginia Survey of Families with Young Children:
www.vafamilysurvey.info

12/14/2020

VB businesses, be sure to get your applications in! The December 18th is quickly approaching. Visit www.VBrelief.org for more info.!

Virginia Beach Child Care Centers, be sure to visit VBrelief.org for resources to support you through COVID-19. You could be eligible for grants up to $10,000 and Virginia Beach has removed the 2 years in operation stipulation.

12/07/2020

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation

Important from Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation ⬇️

⚠️ Important childcare update! We have been receiving calls and emails from parents who received a notice that VBCPS has closed their Safe Learning Centers program. Please be aware that the schools' program is separate from our Parks & Rec SLC program being held at the recreation centers and our programs remain open for childcare at this time. If our programs were to close, parents would be notified by Parks & Recreation Out-of-School Time Program staff directly. We hope this clarified things!

12/07/2020

Check your emails for an important announcement from VBSchools

Keep up-to-date with COVID information at https://www.vbschools.com/parents/plan

Please check your VBSchools email for an important message, which includes information on the current health metrics, Safe Learning Centers (SLCs), food services, winter athletics and more. Or, read the message by visiting, https://bit.ly/36DDZkj .

And, please remember to #VBSafeTogether

12/07/2020

GrowSmart is so proud of Lauren Small for the recognition from Inside Business. Lauren and her team at Early Education Business Consultants, LLC have been working to strengthen child care business in Hampton Roads, as well as bringing the spotlight to the industry. GrowSmart has been working with Lauren since 2010 and are lucky to have her serve on the GrowSmart Team. Kudos to you, Lauren!

Congratulations to Lauren Small Women in Business Class of 2020!

Tune into the Virtual Event: https://bit.ly/2JOz8nn

12/01/2020

Virginia Beach Child Care Centers, be sure to visit VBrelief.org for resources to support you through COVID-19. You could be eligible for grants up to $10,000 and Virginia Beach has removed the 2 years in operation stipulation.

11/23/2020

Virginia Beach businesses & residents, be sure to visit VBrelief.org for pandemic relief ⬇️

The Virginia Beach Pandemic Relief Partnership aims to help #VirginiaBeach residents and small businesses who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. If you or someone you know has been impacted, visit https://bit.ly/3o1PmIH to access resources and assistance.

📢 Please Share

This collaborative initiative is led by United Way of South Hampton Roads, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and LISC Hampton Roads and is funded by the Virginia Beach City Government.

11/18/2020

Virginia Beach businesses, have you seen the newest grant opportunity? Visit www.vbrelief.org

11/09/2020

Virginia Beach families, check out our partners’ Minus 9 to 5 & ForKids website www.resources757.org. Get connected to services in the Hampton Roads area ⬇️

Question: Where can families go for housing, food, education and healthcare info?

Answer: Resources757

Learn how Resources757 is a one-stop shop for families and organizations in Hampton Roads thanks to our partners Minus 9 to 5 and ForKids. Story: http://ow.ly/SuXF50CfRIM

11/06/2020

Virginia Beach adapts to virtual programming to boost child outcomes, reduce caregiver stress

Check out the LENA blog post about GrowSmart’s efforts in continuing to provide programming to our community during the pandemic ⬇️

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the team in Virginia Beach knew that they couldn’t afford to wait to transition to virtual programming for families and teachers…

10/29/2020

Virginia Beach adapts to virtual programming to boost child outcomes, reduce caregiver stress

Check out LENA's latest blog post highlighting GrowSmart's pivot to offer LENA programming virtually.

Our entire team has been ready to do what is needed for the families and caregivers in our community. LENA has provided as easy way to support our residents, most especially during this pandemic.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the team in Virginia Beach knew that they couldn’t afford to wait to transition to virtual programming for families and teachers…

10/26/2020

Family Day Home Providers - Join Minus 9 to 5 & Smart Beginnings Virginia Peninsula to learn more about Ready Network!

10/21/2020

Tune in TONIGHT the Childcare Town Hall Discussion with Senator McClellan

Wednesday, October 21 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Child Care Townhall with Senator Jennifer McClellan
● This will be on zoom in an audience participation format so everyone will be able to see each other.
● Speakers and participants will be able to mute and unmute themselves, as well as put questions and thoughts in the chat box.
● We understand many parents are prepping dinner at the end day, and juggling many hats. We welcome any and all to participate including young ones (Sen. McClellan’s 5 and 9 year old are likely to be around as well).
Registration link:
https://www.mobilize.us/jennifer-mcclellan/event/350424/

10/20/2020

How the Pandemic Is Affecting What Babies and Toddlers Learn

Here’s a good read about the effects of the pandemic on infants & toddlers ⬇️

Without preschool and playgroups, the youngest children are missing out on important educational opportunities.

10/07/2020

Check out the newest training calendar in partnership with Children's Harbor Hampton Roads, R U Ready Chesapeake, and Portsmouth Reads ⬇️

10/01/2020

EXCITING NEWS! Recently, our local campaign for grade level reading, VB READS, was honored as a Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's Pacesetter in Summer and Afterschool. Special shoutout to Virginia Beach Public Library and VBSchools for leading the charge in the program implementation.

Read more here: https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/news/news-item-1-1-2

09/24/2020

Virtual LENA Start classes bring families with young children together

LENA Start has gone virtual! Virginia Beach families, join us from the comfort of your home and be empowered to build your baby’s brain. Early talk is crucial to supporting the health development of your child.

Learn more about LENA Start in Virginia Beach ➡️ https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start

Interested? Fill out a Caregiver Interest Form and email it to [email protected] ➡️ https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/_assets/Docs/Fillable_LENA_Start_Caregiver_Interest_Sheet.pdf

https://youtu.be/QPUdE5FpBgs

LENA Start is an evidence-based community program designed to engage families and help them learn how to increase conversation with their children during the...

09/21/2020

LENA Start Testimonial

Hear about one Virginia Beach family's experience with LENA Start!

09/17/2020

94.9 The Point

Give a shout out to your virtual learning heroes! Tune into 94.9 The Point in the mornings to hear the messages played back - thank your teachers, children, parents and child care provider! You guys ROCK and are doing great - give a shout out on the homeschool hotline @ 965-2368!

Mike and Woo Work’s Homeschool Hotline!

Call Now 757.965.2368

Brought to you by Virginia Beach GrowSmart.

☎️🍎✏️📚☎️🍎✏️📚☎️🍎✏️📚

09/15/2020

Be sure to get registered with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation for Out-of-School Time’s Before & After School Programs ⬇️

🚸 Important Childcare Info! 🧒🏾
Tomorrow, Sept 16 at noon, we will begin taking registrations for our regular ✏️ Out-of-School Time Before and After School Programs 🍎 with a tentative start date of Oct 6 (pending the return the in-person instruction by VBCPS.) For locations, cost, and registration instructions, visit VBgov.com/childcare.

09/14/2020

Thank you 94.9 The Point for sharing about LENA Start!

Interested? Send us your Caregiver Interest Form ➡️https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/_assets/Docs/Fillable_LENA_Start_Caregiver_Interest_Sheet.pdf

Mike and Woo Woo's #HomeschoolHotline wants to hear from YOU! Call now & leave a message letting us know how Virtual Learning is going for you, or leave a shout out for a special teacher or student. Anything school related, leave a message after the beep! 757.965.2368

#HomeschoolHotline brought to you by Virginia Beach GrowSmart. Visit VBGrowSmart.com for more information !

09/09/2020

Piecing Together Solutions: An Essential Industry for Economic Recovery

Thank you, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, for shining a light on the world or early childhood education. GrowSmart, along with Virginia Beach City Government, is extremely grateful for our Virginia Beach-based programs who have served the community over these last 6 months and will continue to do so moving forward.

Childcare is a absolutely essential to American business, but it is crucial that we find the supports to stabilize the industry as the pandemic continues (and beyond).

Be sure to thank these everyday heroes, who continue to quietly show up for us.

In a series of in-depth conversations, childcare providers of varying types and sizes from across the country highlight how the pandemic has magnified the di...

09/08/2020

Wishing everyone a wonderful first day of school! Here’s to a great year ahead 👏

Happy first day of school for the 2020-2021 school year!

Share your photos with us using the hashtag, #VBDAYONE.

We hope everyone has a great day!

09/08/2020

Are you a parent/caregiver to a child 0-3 years old? Join us for LENA Start this Fall! Information below on the virtual options to participate with us or Virginia Beach Public Library ⬇️

LENA Start is coming back this Fall! Join GrowSmart or Virginia Beach Public Library virtually for classes.

For more info., email us at [email protected]

09/02/2020

Join Dr. Spence tomorrow for the final #VBSafeTogether session ⬇️

Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence will host the final #VBSafeTogether info session, Thurs. Sept. 3 from 6-7 p.m., focusing on Being Safe Together as School Returns. This session will include questions from parents, students, employees and community members about the reopening of schools. To register and join the Zoom info session: https://bit.ly/2QE7QQu

08/31/2020

Safe Learning Centers information below ⬇️

You've been so patient while we've been working with VBCPS to get the plans for the new Safe Learning Centers in place. Registration for the general public begins NOW! First priority has been given to City essential workers and teachers, and we have a limited number of spaces available for working parents who are in still need of childcare during the period in which VBCPS is in the red virtual learning setting. An FAQ has been posted on the website to answer your questions, but here is a snapshot of what the Parks & Program involves:
✏️Students in grades K-5
✏️Hours: 6:30 am to 6 pm, M-F
✏️Locations: 22 designated VB elementary schools (see list on website). Note, you do not have to register your child at their home school site!
✏️Cost: $160 for the first 2 weeks, $80 for each week following as long as schools are still in virtual learning.
🍎 ➡️ Register now! VBgov.com/childcare

08/31/2020

Child Care Resources

As the 2020-2021 school year approaches, the Virginia Beach Child Care Task Force has compiled a database of resources for families, to include a map of child care programs in the city. Be sure to check out the link below ⬇️

A task group comprised of VB Schools staff, City of Virginia Beach staff, local youth-serving agencies and faith-based leaders, has compiled a database of resources to assist families as they select child care options to meet their children's care and learning support needs during virtual learning a...

08/28/2020

Don’t miss out on our Fall LENA Start virtual offerings! ⬇️

LENA Start is coming back this Fall! Join GrowSmart or Virginia Beach Public Library virtually for classes.

For more info., email us at [email protected]

08/18/2020

Mile High Kids and Community Development Inc. is still currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year. See info. below ⬇️

We're still accepting applications for the 2020-2021 School Year. 📚

To register, simply SCAN the code and APPLY!!!
#LivingLifeAMileHigh

08/14/2020

LENA Start is coming back this Fall! Join GrowSmart or Virginia Beach Public Library virtually for classes.

For more info., email us at [email protected]

08/13/2020

*ATTENTION* Child Care providers apply today for PPE and Cleaning Supplies!

It's that time! Applications are available for a select number of child care programs to receive a FREE package of PPE and cleaning supplies- including a set quantity of face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, gloves, and hand soap. Apply today through August 31st. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Application: https://bit.ly/2PKiIfi

It is a privilege to be able to support the incredible work our child care professionals are doing during this time. A big thanks to #ATTImpact for their contribution.