As parents and caregivers, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. You make critical choices every day to give your child the best possible start in life—and one of the most important is choosing a high-quality early childhood program. But quality isn’t just nice-to-have. It’s something every child deserves, and every family should expect—and demand.
Why Quality Matters in Early Learning
High-quality early childhood classrooms do more than keep children safe. They nurture learning, spark curiosity, build strong relationships, and set the foundation for school and life success. In a high-quality classroom, you’ll see:
- Warm, responsive teachers who engage children in meaningful conversations and activities.
- Safe and stimulating environments that invite exploration and creativity.
- Play-based learning helps children develop language, motor, social, and thinking skills.
- Inclusive practices that respect children’s cultures, languages, and abilities.
- Partnerships with families that value your voice, ideas, and goals for your child.
The First Five Years Matter Most
Brain development is at its peak during the first five years of life. During this time, children form the foundation for how they learn, how they relate to others, and how they manage emotions. High-quality early learning experiences help them thrive now and, in the future, academically, socially, and emotionally.
That’s why Virginia is working hard to ensure every classroom is a quality classroom. Through initiatives like VQB5 (Virginia Quality Birth to Five), early childhood programs receive support and guidance to improve the learning experience for all children.
What Families Can Do
You have the power to influence what happens in your child’s classroom and in your community. Here’s how you can champion for quality:
- Ask Questions: Talk to your child’s teacher or program director about how they support child development, family communication, and continuous improvement.
- Know the Standards: Learn more about Virginia’s quality expectations at doe.virginia.gov/early-childhood/vqb5.
- Stay Involved: Your input matters. Participate in classroom activities, share feedback, and attend family engagement events.
- Speak Up: If something doesn’t feel right—or if something is working really well—say so. Your voice can help shape better programs for all families.
Together, We Can Raise the Bar
Every family in Virginia deserves access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education. When families champion quality, programs listen. By working together, we can ensure every classroom supports the bright future your child deserves.
Because when quality is the standard, everyone wins—especially our children.