November Book Walks Engage NRV Community
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. First Steps is a network of early childhood professionals and advocates who want to help young children and families thrive. Placed [...]
First Steps Honors Early Childhood Champions
Above: 2022 Early Childhood Champion awardees (left to right): Bonnie Graham, Chelsea Naughton Sharlow, Shannon Marshall Mury, Judy Shelor, and Bonnie Caldwell, who is holding a red bandana in honor of her teammate and co-honoree, Ben Rowan. Christiansburg, Virginia; October 5, 2021: First Steps, an initiative of the Community Foundation of the New River [...]
First Steps Launches Program to Strengthen the Childcare Workforce with $1.15 million in ARPA Funds
A $1.15 million project to stabilize and grow the childcare workforce led by First Steps, an initiative of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV), is among the eleven community projects funded by the Town of Blacksburg with its allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Established in 2016, [...]
NRV Childcare Job Fair Coming June 14th
Christiansburg, Virginia, June 8, 2022 – First Steps: The New River Valley’s Early Childhood Education and Development Network is teaming up with ChildCare Aware of Virginia and the Community Foundation of the New River Valley (CFNRV) to host a childcare job fair on Tuesday, June 14th, from 5pm-7pm at Wonder Universe (in the former [...]
We Are the Frontline
First Steps Helps Caregivers and Families Navigate COVID-19 In July 2020, Senator Tim Kaine visited the New River Valley to hear from early educators, healthcare workers, and parents about the desperate need for childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CFNRV provides leadership for First Steps, a network of individuals and organizations supporting young children [...]
First Steps Announces 2021 Early Childhood Champion Awards
First Steps: The New River Valley’s Early Childhood Education and Development Network announced its first ever Early Childhood Champion Awards at a virtual celebration on July 15th, honoring five individuals who work tirelessly to meet the needs of the New River Valley’s young children and their families. Created in 2016, First Steps is an [...]