FIRSTSPARK INC

Early childhood workforce instruction: training instruction and supports are provided for child care programs of alltypes to build a strong base of knowledge in all domains of early childhood development so children are ready to enter kindergarten with the tools they need to succeed. Training is aligned with criteria on the class assessment and virginia's early learning and development standards.

Resourcing expectant mothers: when babies are born healthy they have a strong start for optimal child growthand development. Working with ob-gyns, clinics and other social services, a prenatal resource specialist talks one-on-one with pregnant women about their needs and concerns. A vdhs verified, comprehensive screening is conducted and women are connected to home visitation and many other prenatal and parent education services.

Convening for collective impact: by bringing together business, philanthropy, policymakers, schools, child care provides, and parents as the lead agency for ready region chesapeake bay, awareness is raised about the importance of 0-5 issues. Community-led groups explore community needs and work collaboratively to prioritize areas for better systems coordination and long-term impact on child well-being. This is done using regional data to create a common agenda by these cross-sector groups.