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Earlier this month, The University of Virginia Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (UVA CASTL) released their final report as part of Virginia’s Kindergarten Readiness Project (VKRP), a two-year study commissioned by the Virginia Legislature and E3: Elevate Early Education. VKRP implemented and evaluated a comprehensive readiness assessment, which provides the Commonwealth, districts, schools […]

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia has been awarded a $17.5 million federal Preschool Expansion Grant that will allow the Commonwealth to serve as many as 1,600 additional at-risk four-year-olds in new, high-quality preschool classes. In addition, the grant will fund enhanced services to approximately 1,400 children in existing pre-kindergarten classrooms.“Expanding preschool […]

Last night, one of E3’s founding board members, Jane Batten, received the prestigious Darden Award for Regional Leadership.  The award is given annually by The Civic Leadership Institute to an individual who creates sustainable efforts toward the betterment of life for the people of the Hampton Roads Region. Jane was recognized for her longstanding philanthropic leadership in […]

Last week, The Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation co-sponsored an executive briefing on the Economics of Early Childhood. The briefing featured Mike Petters, CEO of Huntington Ingalls Industries, who spoke on the importance of investing in early education because as Petters says, “the earlier you fix a problem, the better […]

Last month, E3 hosted a hard hat tour and Challenge Campaign kickoff event for business, civic and philanthropic leaders in the South Hampton Roads region to see first-hand the vision and progress of The New E3 School. Cox 11 was on-hand to interview local business and civic leaders, as well as elected officials on the […]

Last week marked the 10th anniversary of the groundbreaking for Saint Patrick Catholic School in Norfolk, VA.  Since they broke ground, Saint Patrick’s has been driven by the vision of an excellent, faith-filled education of the whole child, while always remaining accessible and welcoming to families from all walks of life.  In fact, 3 out of […]

Earlier this month, we kicked off our Challenge Campaign for The New E3 School in Norfolk, VA. To help us make the case for the importance of investing in early education, we called in a few friends to help us out.  Check it out below! Want to learn more about The New E3 School?  Click […]

  You may have heard that last month, Governor McAuliffe announced the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success, saying, “The Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success and its members are charged with ensuring that every child born in Virginia has the resources he or she needs to succeed in school and thrive in a new Virginia economy.” […]

Sadly, it’s time to wrap up our mini-tour of great places for kids and families across Virginia.  Our fourth and final stop?   Charlottesville! Charlottesville isn’t just for college kids, there are SO many fun things for children and families! Here are some favorites: Carter’s Mountain–head up to Cater’s Mountain for peach and apple picking […]

  Today, we continue to hop across Virginia scouting out great places for kids and families.  Today’s city was sent into us from Julie, mother of 4.  Below are some of her family’s favorite spots: Mill Mountain Park–it’s a one-stop shop with hiking, play ground, a small zoo, and a picnic area.  Click here to […]

  We are continuing to move through Virginia and highlight great spots across The Commonwealth for kids and families.  Last week, we popped into Virginia Beach and today we’re heading to Abingdon, VA! Abingdon is a great family spot with SO much to do! Get outside for a family hike or bike ride. Have a […]

  Who says, “Virginia is for Lovers?” Virginia should be for kids and families! Do you know a great community in Virginia that makes kids and families #1? Tell us all about them by sending a quick blurb describing how your city or town put kids first. And, we love photos too!! Check out Virginia […]

Is your child ready for kindergarten? Check out our kindergarten transition checklist to help you both ease into kindergarten this fall! MAKING THE JUMP: Successfully Moving From Preschool to Kindergarten Need some help to get your little one transition to kindergarten?  Look no further!  Here are a few simple tips for making the jump from […]

Last month The Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads (SBDC) was selected as Virginia’s Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Center by the U.S. Small Business Administration Richmond District Office for their work with the Early Education Small Business Mentoring Program, an innovative program that has transformed local businesses, providing care and education to […]

Back in February, we filled you in on the latest in regards to Virginia’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (VKRP). Good news!  Phase II is underway! Our research team at UVA CASTL recently released an overview of selection of readiness tools that will complement Virginia’s Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) this fall to help provide a snapshot of […]