NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Over its evolution, a Newport News-based nonprofit has undergone a rebranding, signaling a renewed commitment to quality early childhood education.
Previously known as Preschool Partners, the organization initially focused on enhancing the capabilities of educators. According to Executive Director Diane Umstead, the goal was to bolster teaching standards, particularly for children aged from birth to five years old.
Transitioning through governmental initiatives like Smart Beginnings under Governor Kaine’s administration, the nonprofit expanded its scope. Smart Beginnings aimed to foster partnerships between the public and private sectors to improve early learning access and quality across nine regions in Virginia.
Last year, following the conclusion of the Smart Beginnings initiative, the organization rebranded as FirstSpark. Umstead explained that the name change symbolizes the pivotal early years of a child’s life and the transformative potential inherent in those formative stages.
Alongside the rebranding, FirstSpark has extended its geographical reach. It now serves as the lead agency for Ready Region Chesapeake Bay, spanning sixteen counties and cities from the Peninsula to the Northern Neck.
Despite these changes, FirstSpark remains steadfast in its mission to enhance early childhood education access and quality. Through programs like Mixed Delivery, which empowers parents to select suitable early childhood programs, and the StepAhead Texting Program, which keeps families informed about available resources, the organization aims to equip children with the tools for kindergarten readiness and beyond.
Umstead emphasized the importance of empowering parents with information and resources while respecting their choices regarding their children’s education.
Additionally, FirstSpark provides vital support to educators, offering free and low-cost professional development opportunities and assistance with meeting Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) program standards.
With a presence in 817 classrooms, FirstSpark works closely with teachers to enhance their interactions with children and deepen their understanding of child development. Umstead highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting families from prenatal stages onwards, ensuring that children receive a strong foundation for future success.
FirstSpark also engages with policymakers and communities to advocate for increased investment in early childhood education. Umstead stressed the significance of such investment, particularly in addressing resource disparities across different regions.
Recognizing the profound impact of early childhood experiences on lifelong outcomes, Umstead underscored the importance of collective action in supporting young children’s development. She emphasized that nurturing young minds not only benefits individual families but also strengthens communities and contributes to long-term societal prosperity.
In essence, FirstSpark endeavors to ignite a transformative spark in early childhood education, recognizing its potential to shape the future for generations to come.
