By Michelle Smith Howard, President & CEO, Kids’ First Years
Alexandria, VA – Kids’ First Years is the coordinating body of early care and education partners in Alexandria. Through the efforts of our collective impact initiative, we are working to create a system that removes barriers and ensures all children and families have equitable access to high-quality early care and education supports and services.
Quite simply, all members of the collective are committed to strengthening Alexandria’s early childhood system by working collaboratively, instead of in separate silos, to support children, families, and providers. It takes all of us – families, business leaders, policymakers, educators and community members – to invest in our youngest residents so they have the strong start that they deserve.
Following the State of Early Childhood event that Kids’ First Years convened in October 2025, Alberto Omeechevarria, Board Member, Child & Family Network Centers of Alexandria and President of Biscayne Contractors, observed, “Until today, I didn’t realize the true value of a collective to all of our missions. This event really helped me understand how critical it is as a city to speak with one voice to get things done.”
The ROI of Investing in Early Childhood
One of the most respected individuals who has studied the impact of investing in early childhood is Professor and Nobel laureate James J. Heckman, Director of the Center for the Economics of Human Development.
His powerful research shows that high-quality early learning programs during the birth-to-5 years period can have a 13 percent return on investment [www.theheckmanequation.org]. That’s because investing in early childhood education and development positively impacts health, education, employment, and social behavior throughout a child’s life.
Benefits to Businesses and Our Economy
“There is growing recognition that child care is infrastructure, essential to every system – workforce, economic development, education, and health – that drives the economic vitality and quality of life that we want for all Virginians,” said Kathy Glazer, President of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation.
When parents and caregivers have what they need to take care of their families, they are:
- 21 percent more productive at work
- Less likely to be absent – companies with supported employees enjoy 41 percent less absenteeism overall
- 59 percent less likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months
We want to make the City of Alexandria the best place to raise a family and grow a business. Would you like to join us?
Spring2ACTion Campaign on April 22
You can help build a strong, sustainable early care and education system by donating during the Spring2ACTion Campaign, presented by ACT for Alexandria on April 22, the focused day of giving. Many of our collective’s partner organizations will be raising funds, and Kids’ First Years will be raising money to support citywide initiatives.
Our community is better when we give together. All donations help provide equitable opportunities for the city’s children and youth to succeed, as well as ensure the health of all Alexandrians so they can thrive in our city. It’s an extraordinary day to celebrate our collective spirit of giving and to support the organizations that make Alexandria a vibrant place for everyone.
Last year, Spring2ACTion raised more than $3.1 million for 193 nonprofits from more than 7,000 generous donors.
Early Giving starts on April 8 and donations can be accepted through April 23. Visit https://www.spring2action.org/organization/Kids-First-Years for details.
April is Month of the Young Child
Kids’ First Years will celebrate Month of the Young Child in April. This is a special time to shine a spotlight on the critical needs of children in the early years before starting kindergarten and to highlight the powerful, positive impact of enriching early learning experiences.
On Wednesday, April 22, Kids’ First Years and its collective partners will host a special event with fun child-centered activities. The event will be from 3 to 6 p.m. at Pat Miller Square, home of the Del Ray Farmers Market, at 2311 Mt. Vernon Avenue. Please join us to recognize Month of the Young Child and to learn more about our exciting new partnership with DASH.
