Building a strong start: How Virginia Tech is supporting early childhood education | Virginia Tech News

From dedicated child care professionals to passionate community partners and advocates, the 2025 Igniting Connections Symposium brought together a wide range of voices committed to shaping the future of early childhood education.

Jim Harris began his keynote address with a message that would resonate with attendees throughout the day: “It is a privilege to participate in a child’s life.”

Hosted in September by Virginia Tech’s Early Childhood Education Initiatives in partnership with the Community Foundation of the New River Valley’s First Steps, the symposium highlights the New River Valley’s child care community, which serves hundreds of families including employees at Virginia Tech.

“It’s a privilege for our university to host the event as part of our commitment to expanding high quality child care in the region — not just for Virginia Tech faculty and staff, but for all community members,” said Bryan Garey, vice president for human resources.

The annual event includes a keynote speaker and interactive workshops focused on social-emotional growth, curriculum and behavior strategies, and how to be a leader in challenging times. It also features important networking opportunities where community partners share practical support.

“We know that the answers come from engaging our entire community, from our local child care centers to our community leaders, our parents and caregivers, and our local government and businesses. We all play a role to create sustainable solutions that lift the pressure off of you [the child care workforce] and ensure the health of this ecosystem,” said Lisa Wilkes, vice president for strategic initiatives and special assistant to the president.

This year’s sponsors affirmed that commitment, coming from across the state, including Child Care Aware of VA, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, New River Community College, NRV Cares, Radford University, the Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children, and EO, an Abingdon-based organization developing regional solutions for early childhood care and education.

“EO is that next level of support, where we’re helping child care centers and families get quality care,” said Christine McCartney, early childhood care and education program doordinator for EO. “We love a chance like this to have a table to directly get our information to teachers and directors, so that they can see what’s available and what kind of support we have. And the symposium always has such a wonderful turnout.”

The growth of the symposium — doubling in attendance over the past two years — reflects the region’s shift to view early childhood education not just as a service but as a shared community effort best seen in the conversations that bring educators, caregivers, and partners together.