EO

05/30/2026

Al’s Pals is making a difference in classrooms across our region.

We love seeing Al’s Pals strategies used at partner sites across our region to help children practice expressing their feelings and build confidence in the classroom!

Learn more at eoco.org/alspals

05/29/2026

Mixed Delivery helps expand access to early learning for families across Virginia while strengthening communities through local childcare and preschool programs.

The program also helps support children who may not qualify for other early childhood programs, giving more families access to high-quality care and learning opportunities close to home.

Learn more about Mixed Delivery: eoco.org/birthto5hub

05/28/2026

Parents in Southwest Virginia deserve a seat at the table.

If you have a child age 0 to 5, the Family Council wants to hear from you! Your experiences can help improve resources and support for families across our region.

Members are compensated for meeting time and reimbursed for travel and childcare expenses when eligible.

Join the Family Council: eoco.org/familycouncil

05/27/2026

What Is VKRP and Why Does Kindergarten Readiness Matter?

The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) helps teachers, schools, and families better understand the skills children are developing as they enter kindergarten.

VKRP helps measure important areas of early learning and development, including literacy, math, self-regulation, and social skills.

These skills help children learn, build relationships, solve problems, and grow with confidence in the classroom.

The Fall 2025 VKRP Snapshot shows that while many Virginia children are entering kindergarten ready to learn, some still need additional support in key developmental areas.

The encouraging news is that families make a HUGE difference through everyday interactions at home.

Reading together, talking during routines, playing games, encouraging problem-solving, and practicing social-emotional skills all help children build strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing simple, family-friendly ways to support kindergarten readiness at home.

Because every child deserves a strong start.

Explore family resources and take-home strategies: eceresourcehub.org

05/26/2026

Access to early learning can have a lasting impact on children and families.

Mixed Delivery supports eligible families by expanding access to high-quality childcare and preschool programs in communities across Virginia.

Learn more about Mixed Delivery: eoco.org/birthto5hub

05/23/2026

Families with young children have a lot to keep up with. The SWVA Families newsletter shares local events, resources, and information focused on children ages 0 to 5 across Southwest Virginia.

Read the latest newsletter here:
https://conta.cc/4l1Q7A9

Want to stay connected? Join our mailing list to receive the newsletter each month: https://loom.ly/7LNhZYk

05/22/2026

Mixed Delivery increases family choice by connecting children to high-quality, publicly funded early learning and child care in trusted home- and center-based settings across Virginia.

Mary Michelle Thomas’ Family Day Home in Damascus is a valued Mixed Delivery partner, providing a caring home environment where children receive consistent support and families have access to quality early learning close to home.

05/22/2026

Congratulations to the Ridgeview High School Class of 2026!

We were honored to attend the Ridgeview High School Senior Awards Ceremony and recognize three seniors with Project Health cords for their commitment to pursuing careers in healthcare.

Their hard work, dedication, and interest in serving their communities through healthcare deserve recognition, and we are proud to support them as they take the next step.

Congratulations to:
LaKendra Vitatoe
Lindsey Honaker
Kenzie Ramey

Learn more about Project Health: eoco.org/ProjectHealth

05/21/2026

Last night, we had the pleasure of hosting CGI as they celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their Lebanon office. We value your partnership and all that we've accomplished together to further educational opportunities and strengthen the workforce pipeline in our region. Congratulations!

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Virginia Economic Development Partnership on the success of InternshipsVA! EO is proud to be a partner on this project, driving internship opportunities for young people and supporting businesses in building a more sustainable talent pipeline.

Business Facilities’ 2026 Economic Development Awards recognize programs and initiatives making an impact on economic and community growth.