Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children

10/29/2026

You are invited to join this complimentary VAAEYC Learning Lounge Workshop presented by John Richardson-Lauve, LCSW

Brains that have been impacted by trauma and crisis get wired differently than brains that haven't. And this starts in utero. These exposures can result in behavior that is perplexing and that often responds to our caregiving in paradoxical ways. Without this lens, we can see trauma-induced behavior as willful, defiant, and intentional, when in reality it is simply dysregulated. Being able to spot the signs and symptoms of traumatic exposure can help us respond to the child in ways that help buffer the trauma and serve the needs of a brain that needs to heal. And fortunately, this will help us help all children regardless of their exposure to trauma.

December 1, 2026 | 12 Noon
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pGGw91tIQcu4XVgGRlVhVg

10/27/2026

It’s spooky season! But you know what is really scary? Missing out on your opportunity to attend the 2027 VAAEYC Annual Conference March 4-6, 2027 at the Kalahari Conventions & Resort!

Don’t miss the opportunity to be with hundreds of your ECE peers learning, and growing together.

🎃Be inspired from motivational and informational keynotes.
🎃Earn up to 19.5 credit hours in workshops that give you practical take-aways
🎃Learn about the best products and services available to you and your program
🎃Be in the room with your ECE community to connect and celebrate

Reserve your spot now! Link in bio

10/26/2026

College Scholarships for Early Childhood Educators

The Virginia Early Educator Scholarship Program (formerly the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program) is accepting online scholarship applications for the SPRING 2027 semester through November 21.
Scholarships support the cost of in-state tuition/fees for students taking approved early childhood development courses at a Virginia Community College and students enrolled in SCHEV-accredited Montessori Certification Programs. Students may request scholarships for up to two approved courses per semester.
https://earlyeducatorscholarship.doe.virginia.gov/

10/24/2026

So proud to see this well-deserved spotlight on Kim! Huge congratulations to Kim Thomason, who serves as our professional development circle lead, for her incredible work and ongoing leadership.
Thank you, Kim, for everything you do for early childhood education and for making such a positive impact on the next generation!

Huge thanks to the incredible leaders on our Board of Directors who are helping us strengthen Virginia’s child care system❣️

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Kim Thomason, our Board Secretary & Program Manager for Early Childhood Education Initiatives in Blacksburg, Va. Her awesome support of early childhood education and care goes toward ensuring children in her community have safe, high-quality learning environments.

“Early care and education is important to me because it gives children a strong start in life while enabling families to thrive. It is one of the most important investments we can make in the economic health of our communities and the future of the next generation.”

Kim has been a Board Member of Child Care Aware of Virginia since 2022, supporting our mission with specialized expertise and a vibrant passion for early childhood education.

We are very thankful for her ongoing leadership and love for this work! 👏✨

10/20/2026

📢 Attention Center Directors & School Administrators:

Looking for high-impact professional development that actually excites your staff? The 2027 VAAEYC Annual Conference is the premier training event for Virginia’s early childhood educators.

Sending your educators to helps you:
• Fulfill state training and CEU hour requirements
• Equip staff with practical classroom solutions they can bring back and share
• Show your team you’re invested in their long-term career growth

Get ahead of your Q1 training budget, lock in early registration today.
Link in bio for more info.

10/19/2026

🏆 NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! 🏆

It’s time to celebrate the amazing individuals who make a difference in the lives of young children across Virginia!

The 2026 VAAEYC Annual Awards recognize outstanding early childhood educators and advocates whose dedication, leadership, and passion help children, families, and communities thrive.

🌟 Three Awards. Countless Ways to Make a Difference.

🍎 Educator of the Year: Celebrating outstanding educators who make a lasting impact on children every day.

⭐ Award of Excellence: Honoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to early childhood education.

❤️ Outstanding Service to Young Children: Recognizing those whose significant contributions have advanced the field of early childhood education and child care.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Help us shine a spotlight on the incredible people who make a difference in our profession. Nominate a deserving colleague, mentor, leader, or advocate today!

Nominations close December 31, 2026 and the Awards will be presented at the 2027 VAAEYC Annual Conference, March 4-6, 2027 in Woodford, VA.

👉 Learn more about the awards, review eligibility requirements, and submit a nomination here:
https://vaaeyc.org/home/vaaeyc-awards/

Let’s celebrate the people who make a difference for Virginia’s youngest learners! 🎉

10/17/2026

The Apple Valley Chapter of VAAEYC invites early childhood educators to the 5th Annual Early Childhood Educators Conference at Laurel Ridge Community College!
Join colleagues from across the early childhood community on November 7 for a morning focused on learning, connection, and inspiration.

10/13/2026

VQB5 2025–2026 Quality Profiles Now Available!
VDOE is excited to announce that the 2025–2026 VQB5 Quality Profiles are now live! To view go to EarlyChildhoodQuality.doe.virginia.gov.

The VQB5 Quality Profile Website includes three years of quality information for over 3,200 publicly-funded sites, including child care centers, home-based child care, Head Start, and public school preschools, as well as for privately-funded sites that have opted in to VQB5. Today's release also includes Fall 2026 VQB5 Honor Rolls for top performance and significant improvement during the 2025–2026 year. A list of all Honor Roll sites is available via the ‘Download Data’ page on the VQB5 Quality Profile website.

The VDOE would like to recognize the enormous amount of coordination and work that has gone into this third annual release of VQB5 Quality Profiles. Whether you are a program leader, a teacher, an improvement partner, or a regional leader, your time, effort, and commitment to quality is appreciated. Thanks for all you do!

Join VDOE on October 20 at noon to learn more about VQB5 2025–2026 results!

Webinar: VQB5 2025–2026 Year in Review
Date: October 20 from noon–1 p.m.
Register https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_acCARJscS7SsNL3tPG78nA #/registration

10/13/2026

Looking to attend the 2027 VAAEYC Annual Conference March 4 - 6, but need to make sure it will be worthwhile?

Investing in early childhood professional development doesn’t just benefit you—it elevates your entire center or school. At , you’ll gain:
✅ Valuable credit hours toward licensure requirements
✅ Actionable strategies to improve classroom management and curriculum
✅ Fresh tools to boost staff retention and reduce burnout
✅ Direct networking with top early childhood experts across the Commonwealth

Don’t just take it from us – here is a quote from 2026 conference attendees:

“The presenter was very knowledgeable and personable and was helpful in providing information to help teachers and parents find the help they need. Very helpful discussions were made during the session where attendees shared their struggles as well as their success stories. Helpful documentation handouts were available to attendees, thank you!”

“The presenter was great! She was enthusiast, VERY realistic about what limitations many programs have, and offered multiple concrete ideas for implementing age-appropriate activities.”

Register during our Early Bird window to lock in the best registration rate for your school or budget. Questions? Click on the link in bio!

10/06/2026

Program professional development budgets are being set right now - don't leave your staff out of the plan!

Registration for the 2027 VAAEYC Annual Conference is open with EARLY BIRD prices! March 4–6, 2027, we’re bringing early childhood professionals together at the new Kalahari Resort in Woodford, VA.

Why register in October?

Lock in Early Bird Rates: Save money for yourself or your organization.
Secure Accommodations: Reserve your stay before discounted venue rooms sell out. Only registered attendees get the reservation information.
Plan Ahead: Give your center ample time to arrange substitute coverage.

Don't wait until spring budget cycles are closed. Reserve your space now:
https://vaaeyc.org/events/annual-conference/