The Community Foundation of the New River Valley Annual Report 2024-2025

STRENGTHENING BLACKSBURG’S CHILDCARE WORKFORCE

Early Childhood Education Career Day at New River Community College. Photo by Margaret Hurst.

T he CFNRV is a leader in supporting children and families through our First Steps initiative, particularly in our work to help expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare by ensuring the childcare centers have the educators and support staff they need. In late 2022, First Steps received a $1.15 million grant from the Town of Blacksburg’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation for a pilot program to expand childcare access in Blacksburg. Recruiting early educators has long been a challenge. The profession requires immense patience, care, and knowledge of developmental milestones. Yet early educators are underappreciated and undercompensated. A June 2024 survey of Blacksburg early educators revealed that 84% earn $16.50 per hour or less. Childcare directors are anxious to increase pay, but this typically requires raising tuition for families. With the cost of required student-teacher ratios, building maintenance, insurance, and more, centers in Montgomery County charge an average of $11,856 annually for infant care, or about 20% of median household income. State and federal funding has helped slow tuition increases, but it comes with

restrictions and has declined as costs have risen. To make childcare affordable for families and to successfully recruit and retain educators, local support is essential. Incentive Program Improves Retention The CFNRV worked with childcare directors in early 2023 to determine their needs and priorities. Based on this feedback, we created the Incentive Program, which awarded ~$800,000 over four years to childcare centers to implement strategies in workforce recruitment, retention, and professional development. The program provides centers with flexibility to tailor strategies to their needs while ensuring accountability. Every six months, directors submit a plan showing how funds will be used. Some awarded retention bonuses, while others expanded their professional development opportunities to build skills and reduce turnover. Beyond financial support, the ARPA project builds connections in the field. Directors gather periodically to share successful strategies and challenges. Educators have benefited from Fill Your Cup Tea Times where CFNRV’s program coordinator, Margaret Hurst, offers

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THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE NEW RIVER VALLEY