Press Releases

Yesterday, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) attended a Kindergarten Readiness presentation at the Pozez Early Childhood Learning Center and announced the latest round of federal investments in Early Childhood Development programs across Fairfax County.

Rep. Connolly helped deliver an additional $1.5 million in the fiscal year 2024 budget in annual federal funding for childhood readiness programs in Fairfax County, which will go directly towards increasing access to early childhood education services for families in need across community-based settings in the county.

“Investing in the development of our children is an investment with a lifetime of returns,” said Connolly. “This critical investment will see the growth in our children's subsequent education, opportunities for more stable livelihoods, and puts them on a path to success.”

At the conclusion of the Kindergarten Readiness presentation and federal funding announcement, Connolly hosted a roundtable with Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and Flor Phillips, Director of the Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services Early Childhood Programs. The panel answered questions with Fairfax County Public School Representatives about topics involving Early Childhood Education.

Reports indicate that there remains a shortage of early childhood programs.

“The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is committed to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality, affordable childcare,” said Walkinshaw. “That’s why Congressman Connolly’s support is so important, allowing us to add an additional 72 slots to our Early Childhood Learning and Development Program.”

“The $1.5 million expansion of these critical programs will provide much needed support to families and provide high quality early childhood education experiences to young children to help mitigate disparities impacting their school readiness,” Connolly said.

“This funding is the right step into ensuring that our children are ready for kindergarten and ensuring lifelong successes," said Phillips.

For more information about Early Childhood Development programs across Fairfax County, click here.