Virginia Beach GrowSmart

Virginia Beach GrowSmart GrowSmart is the City of Virginia Beach's early learning effort. We provide information and resources for parents & educators of young children, ages 0-8. 2013 "Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation" (Alliance for Innovation)

GrowSmart is the City of Virginia Beach's early childhood education initiative. We strive to ensure every child in Virginia Beach will be born healthy; enter kindergarten ready to learn; and continue to read proficiently through third grade, establishing a strong foundation for success in school and in life. Virginia Beach GrowSmart exists to promote and improve the healthy development, school rea

GrowSmart is the City of Virginia Beach's early childhood education initiative. We strive to ensure every child in Virginia Beach will be born healthy; enter kindergarten ready to learn; and continue to read proficiently through third grade, establishing a strong foundation for success in school and in life. Virginia Beach GrowSmart exists to promote and improve the healthy development, school rea

Operating as usual

Calling all early care and education professionals! We are offering a FREE Conscious Discipline training on Friday, Aug...
08/18/2021
Home | VBGrowSmart

Calling all early care and education professionals! We are offering a FREE Conscious Discipline training on Friday, August 27th OR Saturday, August 28th. Register now at: https://sqone.org/event/conscious-discipline/ and view this video to learn more about Conscious Discipline https://consciousdiscipline.com/videos/the-company-story-of-conscious-discipline/

This site was designed to provide information and resources for Virginia Beach parents, caregivers,and teachers of young children, ages 0-8. The site is also intended for our community stakeholders who wish to find out more about the City of Virginia Beach’s early learning efforts and how you can ...

CALLING ALL PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN AGES 0-3: GrowSmart is offering FREE LENA Start classes for the fall that...
08/09/2021

CALLING ALL PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN AGES 0-3: GrowSmart is offering FREE LENA Start classes for the fall that begin in September. These classes aim to make a difference in your baby’s life through early talk and interaction! If you are interested, see more information and complete an interest form at: https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start”

CALLING ALL PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN AGES 0-3: GrowSmart is offering FREE LENA Start classes for the fall that begin in September. These classes aim to make a difference in your baby’s life through early talk and interaction! If you are interested, see more information and complete an interest form at: https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/lena-start”

We are excited to launch the First Grade READS program for the upcoming school year! If you'd like to join us in suppor...
07/20/2021
Home | VBGrowSmart

We are excited to launch the First Grade READS program for the upcoming school year! If you'd like to join us in supporting our striving readers visit: https://www.vbgrowsmart.com/tutoring-program

This site was designed to provide information and resources for Virginia Beach parents, caregivers,and teachers of young children, ages 0-8. The site is also intended for our community stakeholders who wish to find out more about the City of Virginia Beach’s early learning efforts and how you can ...

Let's give a BIG round of applause to our GROW graduates for the past year! These early education professionals and pro...
07/07/2021

Let's give a BIG round of applause to our GROW graduates for the past year! These early education professionals and programs committed to coaching and strengthening their classroom language environment and program interactions. Their dedication supports the healthy development and love of learning of our youngest learners! Congratulations and THANK YOU to:
Barefoot Kids Christian Day School, First Discovery Academy at Indian River, Holistic Life Schools, Making A Difference Step By Step, Parish Day School, The Gathering Academic Preschool- Lynnhaven Location, Mile High Kids and Community Development Inc.,and Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation.

Let's give a BIG round of applause to our GROW graduates for the past year! These early education professionals and programs committed to coaching and strengthening their classroom language environment and program interactions. Their dedication supports the healthy development and love of learning of our youngest learners! Congratulations and THANK YOU to:
Barefoot Kids Christian Day School, First Discovery Academy at Indian River, Holistic Life Schools, Making A Difference Step By Step, Parish Day School, The Gathering Academic Preschool- Lynnhaven Location, Mile High Kids and Community Development Inc.,and Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation.

It's not too late to join our Summer LENA START classes for Virginia Beach families with children ages 0 - 3 years. Emai...
06/14/2021

It's not too late to join our Summer LENA START classes for Virginia Beach families with children ages 0 - 3 years. Email us at [email protected] or call 757-385-0144 for more info!

It's not too late to join our Summer LENA START classes for Virginia Beach families with children ages 0 - 3 years. Email us at [email protected] or call 757-385-0144 for more info!

This is a must read to understand the challenges the child care industry is facing. They need a qualified workforce so t...
06/14/2021
Major staffing shortages beset Virginia's child care providers - Virginia Mercury

This is a must read to understand the challenges the child care industry is facing. They need a qualified workforce so they can open up enrollment and support others in joining the workforce. Support our #earlyed professionals.

After more than a year of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosalind Cutchins is braced for a busy June as she prepares to reopen two Head Start programs at her child care centers across the Hampton Roads region. But she’s been confronted by a staffing shortfall — 22 unfilled positions across ei...

Are you looking for a job that makes a meaningful difference? Do you want to build a brighter future for children and o...
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

Calling All Parents & Caregivers of children ages 0 - 3 years of age! We are registering for our FREE LENA START parent...
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

Have you heard the news about HB2206? This bill has expanded access to help with child care costs. The Child Care Subsi...
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

It is the time of year to celebrate our GRADUATES!!! GrowSmart wants to congratulate all of our LENA START families who...
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

Today was an exciting day! Virginia Beach welcomed First Lady of Virginia Pamela Northam, Delegate Nancy Guy, Mayor Bob...
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
Check out this hiring opportunity with Minus 9 to 5, Early Education Business Consultants, LLC, Virginia Quality Eastern...
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.

A special recognition of our GrowSmart Foundation Board Member
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

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

What a cool idea! ⬇️ Kudos to you, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and Virginia Beach Police Department
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

03/05/2021

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
•
•
#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
•
•
#readacrossamerica #readingispower #readingmonth #readingisfundamental #virginiabeach

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

Read Across America Day is coming back! We are excited to kick-off National Reading Month with our 7th annual celebratio...
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

Have you seen WAVY TV 10’s piece on the effects of the pandemic on young children? Virginia Beach families, join GrowSma...
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.

Here’s hoping for an early Spring! 🕳🦫
02/02/2021

Here’s hoping for an early Spring! 🕳🦫

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

Address

4525 Main St, Ste 700
Virginia Beach, VA
23462

Telephone

+1 757-385-0144

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LENA Start Testimonial
LENA Start Testimonial

Here’s to another successful Celebrating Children & Pinwheel Palooza! Thank you for joining us for a beautiful Saturday morning at Mt. Trashmore Park. ☀️🏅 #visitvabeach #virginiabeach #livethelife #vbgrowsmart #vbcasa #vbparksrec

Can we relive last Friday again today? Council member Councilman Aaron Rouse had a dance party with the kids at Kempsville Recreation Center after reading Happy by Pharrell Williams! 🤩📚📖 #FlashbackFriday #VBisHAPPY #ittakesavillage #vbgrowsmart #virginiabeach

Have you seen us in the November/December issue of Coastal Virginia Magazine?!LENA Start classes will be launching in February. All classes are free with a meal and childcare provided for participating families. Are you interested or know someone who is interested? Contact us TODAY for more information! Email us at [email protected] OR call us at (757)385-0144. #VBGrowSmart #VBLENAStart #earlytalk #braindevelopment

Drum roll please 🎉 GrowSmart is excited to partner with GEICO Virginia Beach to elevate early education in our City. #workforcedevelopment #economicdevelopment #communitygiveback

Check out our day 3 highlights at the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Conference! What an amazing and inspiring keynote from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris on childhood trauma and its affects on brain development. Tomorrow is a quick day as the team has started their travels back to Virginia Beach! We can’t wait to share the work of partners across the country with our own amazing friends - VBSchools, Virginia Beach Public Library, Virginia Beach City Government, and the many other partners working to ensure our kids are set-up for success in school & life. #GLRweek #GLR #VBreads #childhoodadversity #traumainformedcare

Check out our Day 2 highlights at the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Conference in Philadelphia! We enjoyed another day of sessions & sharing from across the country. Ready for Day 3 tomorrow & hearing Keynote Speaker Nadine Burke Harris. #CLRweek #CLR #VBreads #VBGrowSmart #TraumaInformedCare

Check out the highlights of our day at the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Conference in Philadelphia! Ready for more tomorrow and for more takeaways to bring back to Virginia Beach. #VBGrowSmart #VBReads #CLRWeek18 #CLR #readingisPOWER

We had a fun night with Virginia Beach Public Library and Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center at the Waves, Words, and Wonders event!

Did you catch this e:60 on Hampton Roads own @bambamkam? He is the epitome of perseverance and hard work. What a great representation of Norfolk and the 757! A humble athlete who has always remembered his hometown and given back to our youth. #kamchancellor #perserverance #HamptonRoads

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The GrowSmart Story

Virginia Beach GrowSmart is the City of Virginia Beach’s early childhood education initiative. GrowSmart was created in 2009 when the former “Ready to Learn” team of the Virginia Beach Public Libraries formed a strong partnership with the Virginia Beach Health Department’s Healthy Families Virginia Beach program. Under the new name of GrowSmart, a team of practitioners, led by a full-time GrowSmart Coordinator, came together regularly to assess the state of early childhood in our city and region and to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated local early childhood system.

The GrowSmart office was strategically moved from the Department of Public Libraries to the Department of Economic Development in 2011. This important organizational shift represents our City’s understanding that early childhood education is an important economic issue. Workforce development begins in the years prior to kindergarten, when brain development occurs most rapidly. By helping our youngest children to grow up healthy and ready to succeed in school, we do what is right not just for our citizens, but for our future economic vitality.

Our Work ​​Virginia Beach GrowSmart exists to promote and improve the healthy development, school readiness, and reading proficiency of young children, ages 0-8. If you are a parent or caregiver of a young child, please visit our “Parents” page for resources and information on raising healthy, happy, and school-ready children. In addition to providing resources for parents and families, GrowSmart offers programming to ensure the availability of high-quality early education and to promote reading proficiency by third grade.

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Barbara Lito, look what Grayson got 😍. Thank you!!!
Hello, my name is Sherry Jackson, and I've been teaching in Va Beach for 17 years. Next year I'm opening a private homeschool in my home for Kindergarten and 1st graders. If you're looking for a fun, exciting, and child-centered small group environment, PM me for more information.