Established in 2016, First Steps is a network of agencies and individuals working to support young children and families in the New River Valley. The Fund for the NRV provides financial and in-kind support to the network. Over 60% of NRV children ages 0-6 have all parents in the workforce, requiring access to high-quality, affordable care. Currently, there are 10,000 young children in the NRV ages 0-6. However, we have just 3,000 childcare slots in our region. We aim to help our community expand access to high-quality early education. This will help attract new businesses and business leaders the NRV. Additionally, it will enable more parents to fill job opportunities as our region continues to grow.
First Steps, the New River Valley’s local early childhood network, is accepting nominations for the 2026 Early Childhood Champions Awards.
Deadline Extended: Nominate an Early Childhood Champion Read More »
Each year, each NRV locality hosts a Family Fun Day. These are free events for families that feature games, activities, and resources.
In late September, First Steps, an initiative of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV), celebrated early childhood educators and advocates at the fifth annual Early Childhood Champion Awards. First Steps is a network of more than 60 New River Valley (NRV) organizations that support young children and families through education, childcare, healthcare, advocacy, and more. This year, 17 people and two teams were nominated for awards.
First Steps Celebrates Five Years of Honoring Early Childhood Champions Read More »
Created in 2021, the Early Childhood Champion Awards recognize the early education and childcare providers, preschool teachers, child development specialists, human service providers, healthcare professionals, librarians, policymakers, and advocates who
During the award ceremony on August 23rd, we recognized all the nominees and announced this year’s winners. Each winner received a cash award provided by the Community Foundation of the New River Valley.
In late September, First Steps, an initiative of the CFNRV, celebrated 14 early childhood educators and advocates at the third annual Early Childhood Champion Awards.
First Steps Honors Early Childhood Champions for Third Year in a Row Read More »
Our panel discussed what it takes to support children who need ‘a little more’ to be successful. First Steps is the NRV’s Early Childhood Education and Development Network, one of CFNRV’s initiatives.
First Steps Facebook Live Session Discusses Children Who Need a Little Extra Read More »
As we reflected on 2022, we wanted to share some of our favorite moments from a year filled with connection, celebration, and excitement. These moments, in chronological order, are below. We’re looking forward to connecting in 2023!
The First Steps Program Coordinator at the CFNRV provides leadership and administrative support for First Steps: the NRV’s Early Childhood Education and Development Network.
The CFNRV’s First Steps initiative worked with partners across the region to hold Book Walks featuring three children’s books by author Laura Numeroff.
Book Walks Get Attention of Author of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” Author Read More »
First Steps, an initiative of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, is holding “Book Walks” throughout the month of November to engage families and share resources about early education and childcare.
In 2022 First Steps is celebrating 19 early childhood educators and advocates who make an impact on the New River Valley’s young children.
