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  Phone: (757) 385-0144   Email: VBGrowSmart@vbgov.com
   Get Involved

Get Involved

Do you believe that the first eight years of life are critical to a child’s future chances for success in school and in life? Join our efforts today!

Volunteer

Virginia Beach is the greatest city on Earth because of the people who live here. GrowSmart cannot accomplish our mission of promoting and improving the healthy development, school readiness, and early reading proficiency of young children without the help of caring individuals like you. Whether you wish to volunteer a few times a week or for a one-time event, Virginia Beach GrowSmart and our partners have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. 

Become a Tutor!

Do you have at least one hour a week to help a struggling young reader? The award-winning Virginia Beach READS mentor-tutoring program for first grade readers is recruiting volunteers for the 2019-2020 school year. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Virginia Beach GrowSmart at: VBGrowSmart@vbgov.com or by calling (757) 385-6495​. You may click here to down​load a volunteer application.

Office of Volunteer Resources

The City of Virginia Beach’s Office of Volunteer Resources has multiple opportunities for citizens to engage with their community. Search current opportunities here.

Volunteer at the Virginia Beach Public Library

The Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) is committed to providing people of all ages with the opportunities, programs, information and materials to help them meet lifelong learning, cultural and recreational goals. Find volunteer opportunities with VBPL here.

Fleet and Family Support Centers

Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) offer free programs and services designed to help service members and their families meet the unique challenges and take advantage of the special opportunities that come with being in the military. Individuals interested in volunteering at the FFSC should contact the Volunteer Program Manager at the specific location he or she wishes to volunteer.  Prospective volunteers will: complete a volunteer application, including a Privacy Act Statement for Volunteers, a Statement of Understanding, and a Conflict of Interest Acknowledgement; participate in an in-person interview; undergo orientation and training; and participate in performance reviews after volunteering has begun. The Volunteer Program Managers for the different FFSC locations in Hampton Roads are:

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center has volunteer opportunities for all ages. Learn more here.

Advocate

Virginia Beach is leading our region in prioritizing the education and healthy development of young children. But there is more we can and must do, at the local, state, and national levels. Our young children need adults who will advocate on their behalf. Below are some things you can do to become a champion for the cause.

  • Educate yourself on the importance of early childhood education and its economic impact.
  • Ask elected officials to make early education a priority. Some suggestions:
    • Tell our local School Board members that you support all-day kindergarten for all Virginia Beach students.
    • Tell our state legislators to restore funding for Part C/Early Intervention
  • Speak with your colleagues and business associates about the economic benefits of investment in early childhood education and development.
  • Advocate for family-friendly practices in your workplace.
  • Leverage your influence and visibility to make a strong case for increased investment in early childhood education and development.

Donate

The Virginia Beach GrowSmart Foundation is a new non-profit organization that was established in 2014. Chaired by Board President Ann Crenshaw of Virginia Beach Vision, the foundation seeks to support our publicly-funded early childhood efforts with other sources of grant and private funding.  Find a complete list of Board officers and members here.

If you or your business would like to adopt a childcare center or preschool, sponsor an early education teacher to advance his/her education, or financially support one of GrowSmart’s many initiatives, please contact Barb Lito at: blito@vbgov.com or by calling (757) 385-0144.

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: Bringing together City, Schools, and the Community for a common mission.

GrowSmart’s mission is to promote and improve the healthy development, school readiness, and reading proficiency of young children, ages 0-8, in Virginia Beach.

 Upcoming Events  Contact Us

This site was designed to provide information and resources for Virginia Beach parents, caregivers,and teachers of young children, ages 0-8.

The site is also intended for our community stakeholders who wish to find out more about the City of Virginia Beach’s early learning efforts and how you can get involved.

Find Us

Address: 4525 Main Street Suite 700 Virginia Beach, VA 23462

  Phone: (757) 385-0144

  Email: VBGrowSmart@vbgov.com

Parents' Voice

"My son has been attending First Discovery since he was six weeks old. It has been a wonderful experience. The staff takes the time to talk to you and get to know your kid, even if they are not in their classroom. The staff is well trained and experienced. They are dedicated to your child's development.”
Jennifer Tanner, Parent –First Discovery CDC student
“The class sizes are small and personal attention is given to each child and their needs, whether they be social, emotional or educational. The staff knows each child by name and they seem genuinely happy to be there.”
Kristin Hansen, Parent – Emmanuel Episcopal Day School
“I can’t tell you how happy we have been with your school and how blessed we feel to have had all of you play such an important role in our children’s formative years. You have a wonderful school and program and we wish you all the best in the future.”
The Allisons, Former Parent – Bullfrogs and Butterflies Pre-K and KG
“I absolutely love this school! From the first day I walked in to tour with my then 2year-old, I knew it was the school for us. My daughter is now 4, and has enjoyed 2 years of excellent classroom teaching, Spanish, music and computer programs along with extra-curricular dance offered through the Starz Program.”
Kristin Hansen, Parent – Emmanuel Episcopal Day School
“Great place with great staff. It prepared our daughter for school and now she’s on the Principal’s List. I can’t wait to send our son there for the same educational and caring experience.”
Allen Ward, Parent – Courthouse Christian Preschool & Afterschool
“The teachers! They are extremely warm and welcoming. They truly care about the kids and are like an extended family. While in previous settings only the primary teacher had a bond with my children and were able to comfort them, all the teachers here have a connection with my child and are able to make him feel better when he’s sad. That’s priceless!”
Parent – Bullfrogs and Butterflies Pre-K and KG
“My daughter has been going here for 2 years. The teachers are so caring & sweet. They’re always doing something fun & different. My daughter loves music class too! Very clean & safe facility.”
Brittany Morgan, Parent – Courthouse Christian Preschool & Afterschool
“This preschool is truly a hidden gem! It has literally been around for generations. You will never find a parent who has experienced the school that will have anything but positive reviews! The “learning through play” curriculum is integral to its contined success in preparing kids for kindergarten.”
Christi Farr, Parent – Emmanuel Episcopal Day School
“The thing I love the best is that it feels like a family. A whole set of teachers helping you along the way, always ready to give advice if you need it. I am so glad I found them for childcare for my child and would definitely recommend them to anyone who asks!"
Jennifer Tanner, Parent –First Discovery CDC student
"THANK YOU for 3 great years! We’ll miss you!”
The Plaatsman Family – Bullfrogs and Butterflies Pre-K and KG
“The loving, Christian-based program was a wonderful fit for our daughter. The small-sized classes and nurturing staff created an environment in which she could excel and be completely prepared for kindergarten. We look forward to our youngest daughter attending this year.”
Andria D’Alba, Parent – Courthouse Christian Preschool & Afterschool

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