Dear ,
When I moved back to Virginia over thirteen years ago, one of the first things I tackled was finding affordable, quality childcare for my daughter. After more than eight years as a school administrator in Arizona, I'll admit my standards for an educational setting were high, even for a toddler. I toured several well-known facilities across the Richmond region: privately owned centers, faith-based programs, and everything in between.
My daughter had spent her early years in a home daycare, so transitioning to a center was a significant adjustment for both of us. The noise and energy of larger facilities caught me off guard. And NOTHING prepared me for the cost.
But then I found the right place.
What set that center apart wasn't a brochure or a curriculum overview. It was a director who paused before launching into the details and simply asked how I was doing – with genuine care and compassion. In that moment, I realized this wasn't just a facility that would care for my child. It was a place that cared for me as a parent. I could go to work each day without carrying the weight of worry, because my daughter was somewhere she was both learning and loved.
Every family in Virginia deserves that feeling.
This past Monday, May 5th, marked the fifth annual Day Without Childcare, a national day of advocacy for universal childcare access, equity, and livable wages for early childhood educators. The need has never been more urgent. Every Virginian should have the opportunity to access affordable, quality childcare. Our childcare facilities must be protected spaces, safe, welcoming, and free from fear for children and the dedicated educators who serve them.
We are grateful to our legislators for passing bills this session that address the growing demand for affordable childcare across the Commonwealth, and we remain hopeful that meaningful resources will be included in the final state budget. But legislation alone is not enough. Change requires a sustained community voice.
Here's how you can make a difference:
- Honor your local educators. If your faith community operates a childcare or after-school program, organize an appreciation event for the staff. They show up every day for our children. Please take the time to remind them that their work matters.
- Advocate for policy and resources. Contact your legislators and let them know that childcare funding is a priority for your community.
- Stay connected. Follow our work in childcare policy so you're informed and ready to act when your voice is needed most.
Affordable, quality childcare isn't a luxury; it's a foundation. Let's build it together.
In Solidarity,
Keisha
Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Executive Director | 
