Foundation First

About

Foundation First is led by a dedicated, passionate team with extensive knowledge and expertise in early childhood education. The Foundation First team is supported by an active volunteer Board comprised of community leaders, local business leaders, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and local and state governments. We bring together families, businesses, community organizations and state and local agencies to strengthen existing early childhood education programs and implement new approaches where needed.

Foundation First serves the cities of Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park and the counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper, Caroline, King George, Prince William, Spotsylvania and Stafford. We are actively aware that only 1 in 4 children in our region arrive in kindergarten with the basic skills to succeed. The lack of these foundational skills can impact their educational journey, their future success in the workplace, their personal health and their ability to thrive as an adult. We believe that supporting early childhood education is a smart investment with a proven return.

We are committed to transforming their lives because we know it will change our world.

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Ready Region's 4 core functions:

What does Foundation First do in my community?

Ready Region North Central

All publicly funded programs that serve children ages birth to five are required by state law to participate in the Virginia Quality Birth to Five System (VQB5), the state’s unified quality measurement and improvement system. Through Ready Region, Foundation First becomes the entry point for ECCE site participation in VQB5 and ensure those participating are meeting its system’s requirements. Ready Regions are also responsible for implementing regional Mixed Delivery efforts and coordinating enrollment into those publicly funded ECCE sites.

Mixed Delivery

Granted through Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF), Mixed Delivery increases ECCE affordability for families by paying the full cost of childcare & full day preschool for eligible infants, toddlers, & preschoolers. Mixed Delivery allows families to choose from a broad range of high-quality ECCE services that meet the different needs and preferences of each family. Mixed Delivery also provides additional funds to increase teachers salaries!

Infant Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN)

What about VQB5? How do we ensure participating ECCEs are meeting those requirements? This is where Virginia Infant Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN) comes in! In order to support VQB5, ITSN provides coaching services to educators and administrators to strengthen infant and toddler classrooms. ITSN services include behavioral support for families with infants and toddlers. 

More about VQB5