The newly created Office of Early Childhood Development is now coordinating state programs aimed at improving the lives and education of the commonwealth's youngest citizens and residents.

The office, which was announced on April 3 by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, represents an inter-agency approach to managing services for young children and their families, with Director Kathy Glazer reporting to both the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).

"The opening of the Office of Early Childhood Development institutionalizes a partnership between two agencies that share a commitment to the development and education of young children," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Billy K. Cannaday Jr.

"We're eager to begin this work.  By focusing on the education and well-being of our youngest citizens, we do much to ensure the continued strength of our communities, workforce and economy," said VDSS Commissioner Anthony Conyers Jr.  

The Office of Early Childhood Development is supported by VDOE and VDSS staff and is responsible for coordinating services for children from birth to age five, including the Virginia Preschool Initiative, Head Start, childcare subsidies, provider services and other state-level efforts to advance early childhood development and learning. The office also will work through a liaison with the Virginia Department of Health to ensure the integration of health-related programs.

-- Compiled from a Virginia Department of Social Services news release.