By Michelle Smith Howard, President & CEO, Kids’ First Years
Alexandria, VA – In September 2023, the Family Connections Committee of Kids’ First Years established a Family Council composed of local families with young children. This initiative was an essential part of a long-term strategy for families in Alexandria to play an active role in decision-making about early childhood services.
Over the past year, the Family Council has increased from six to nine members. They meet monthly and collaborate to provide critical insights on programs and policies impacting early childhood education and child care services in Alexandria. In addition, the Family Council helps to serve as a bridge between families and the local resources available to support them.
“The Family Council is a passionate grassroots type of committee that’s completely family-led,” said Tomashia Cornitcher, Coordinator of Family Connections for Kids’ First Years. “All of the discussion topics for the monthly meetings have been selected by the members.”
Some agenda items at recent Family Council meetings have included:
• Providing helpful input on the ALX Preschool application that launched in the spring of 2024. It allows families to use one application to apply to participating preschool programs.
• Sharing information on activities related to The Basics, which are five simple yet powerful principles to help children thrive in the early years. Family Council members talked about how routine tasks like waiting in line, riding on the bus, or sitting in a doctor’s office can be opportunities for connection and engagement with a young child.
• Presentations by guest speakers on topics such as quality early education and child care, housing, health and nutrition, financial resources, early intervention, and more.
• Discussions by Family Council members about what families are experiencing and what’s working or not working for them.
More Alexandria voices are needed and welcomed. There’s even a Friends of the Family Council group for those who want to volunteer for special projects but can’t commit to attending the regular monthly meetings on the third Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. “We want to have a strong reach in all parts of the City and to establish a meaningful voice in Alexandria’s early childhood education system and services,” said Cornitcher.
Cornitcher noted that the Family Council members represent Alexandra’s rich diversity of cultures. She invited members of the Family Council to share how they celebrate the holidays and create lifelong memories for their young children. They also commented on what they liked about participating in the Family Council.
The Demissie Family – Ethiopia
“Two big holidays our family celebrates are Christmas and Easter. January 7 is our Christmas, and the night before, on Christmas Eve (January 6), we go to church into the night. In the morning, we come from the church, and we have lunch at someone’s house and then dinner at someone else’s house. On December 25 we let our children have gifts, but we don’t focus on them. Our focus is on gathering with loved ones and celebrating. As a member of the Family Council, I would like to know more about my community and how to help children with anything.”
The Gonzalez Family – El Salvador
“Our family gets together on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We play board games, watch movies, and participate in painting activities with the kids. As a member of the Family Council, I enjoy learning new things about the topics we discuss at our meetings.”
The Vasquez Family – El Salvador
“As a family, we share family time enjoying a dinner, listening to music; in short, a happy home, full of warmth. While serving on the Family Council, I look forward to becoming a family that cares for one another and shares with one another, so we can grow together.”
The Rahmani Family – Afghanistan
“The holiday season here is not at the same time as when our traditional events happen. So, here we usually gather with friends and families or join neighborhood events. As a member of the Family Council, I look forward to connection, awareness and collaboration with the other members.”
The Nichols Family – USA
“During the holidays my family enjoys watching holiday movies and getting together to cook and spend time together. As a Family Council member, I enjoy event planning.”
The Bezuayehu Family – Ethiopia
“During the holiday season, we enjoy Ethiopian traditions like going to church, cooking special dishes, spending quality time with family, and celebrating with friends. I like helping to create positive changes for families in our community. Being on the Family Council lets me represent families’ voices and work with others to make a real difference.”
To learn more and get involved with the Family Council, visit kidsfirstyears.org or email Tomashia Cornitcher at [email protected].
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