About Us

History

Fairfax Futures was launched in June 2004 at the Early Learning Is Good Business Summit to raise awareness and build support for quality early childhood education and school readiness for Fairfax County's youngest children.

Recognizing school readiness is essential to the continued strength of our community Fairfax Futures partnered with Fairfax County's Department of Family Services Office for Children, Fairfax County Public Schools, and area corporations, foundations, public agencies, community organizations and early childhood education programs to highlight the importance of preparing children and their families to successfully enter kindergarten ready to learn, grow and thrive.

Funds raised support the professional development of child care providers who partner with parents to ensure children's healthy social, emotional, physical and intellectual development and readiness for school. This effort is supported through Fairfax Futures core programs and materials created to help early childhood professionals work in partnership with parents to provide quality early learning experiences for young children.  Helping Your Child Love to Learn,  a parent booklet to guide parents in how to engage their children in learning and Paving the Way to Kindergarten a booklet created in partnership with the Office for Children and Fairfax County Public Schools to help support the creation of neighborhood school readiness teams to ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten for young children and their families. Fairfax Futures also produces Ready! , a newsletter that reaches approximately 3500 early childhood educators in child care, preschool and Fairfax County public elementary schools with best practices and other information to support quality early learning experiences.

Fairfax Futures is a nonprofit, charitable organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowable by law.

What is School Readiness

The state of Virginia describes school readiness as the capabilities of children, families, schools and communities that promote student success in kindergarten and beyond.

Ready Children
Children enter school with the social, emotional and intellectual skills they need to be successful learners.

Ready Schools
Teachers and school administrators welcome children into their classrooms at all levels of preparedness.

Ready Families
Families provide a safe, nurturing environment that supports children's learning and helps them develop the skills they need.

Ready Communities
Communities help families prepare children for success in school and in life through services provided by public agencies and nonprofit organizations, the commitment of area businesses, the expertise of early childhood educators and healthcare professionals and the support of communities of faith.

Click here for more information on Virginia's definition of school readiness.