Virginia invests $7.2 million in childcare expansion across key regions

Virginia gets major childcare funding

Finding dependable childcare can shape a family’s day. In Southwest and Southside Virginia, a new federal investment could bring more childcare spaces, new jobs, and added support for working parents who need reliable care nearby.

Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a $7.2 million federal disaster-recovery grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funding will support projects in Danville, Pittsylvania County, Tazewell County, and Washington County.

Governor Spanberger backs childcare projects

Governor Abigail Spanberger’s office says the funding will increase childcare capacity while supporting workforce participation and economic development. The effort focuses on communities where families and employers face challenges finding available childcare spaces and services.

The projects are expected to create more than 55 jobs and expand care for nearly 450 children. Officials say the investment will help working families while supporting communities recovering from Hurricane Helene’s damage and disruption.

EO Companies will lead expansion

EO Companies will implement the projects across Southwest and Southside Virginia. The organization is the Virginia Department of Education’s designated regional early childhood partner for Ready Region Southwest.

Separate funding will support project coordination and workforce development. The broader effort brings together federal, state, local, philanthropic, and community partners.

Hurricane Helene changed community needs

The grant comes as Virginia continues recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused severe damage in 2024. Heavy rainfall and flooding washed out roads and bridges and damaged communities across Southwest Virginia.

Two Virginians were killed during the disaster. The federal disaster-recovery funding connects storm recovery with another pressing community need by expanding childcare options while affected areas continue rebuilding local services.

Danville plans a new center

Danville and Pittsylvania County are planned to receive a new childcare facility. The project includes a $2.7 million federal grant and represents an estimated $8.3 million total investment from multiple regional sources for local families.

The planned center will cover about 20,000 square feet and could create approximately 30 new jobs. Once completed and licensed, it is expected to have capacity for approximately 200 children, adding substantial childcare space.

Tazewell prepares another new center

Tazewell County is also planned to receive a new childcare center. The project includes $2.5 million from the federal grant and represents an estimated $5.8 million total investment from project partners.

The planned building will cover approximately 10,000 square feet and could create about 25 new jobs. After completion, the center is expected to have licensed capacity for approximately 148 children, expanding local childcare options.

Washington County expands existing services

Washington County will receive $615,000 to expand EO’s Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub. The project will add outdoor recreation space and interior classroom facilities for expanded after-school and summer enrichment programs for families.

The program will serve children ages 5 to 12 and is expected to have capacity for about 100 students. It will provide after-school care, summer programming, and workforce support for families throughout the region too.

Workers are part of investment

Childcare centers need trained workers as well as buildings. That is why $1.2 million will support project coordination and workforce development across the three projects, helping prepare staff for the new and expanded centers.

Funding will help recruit, train, and prepare the childcare workforce. Together, the projects are expected to create more than 55 jobs, although actual hiring will depend on construction, licensing, staffing needs, and program development locally.

Nearly 450 children could benefit

The three projects are expected to expand childcare capacity for nearly 450 children. Danville and Pittsylvania County could serve about 200 children, while the planned Tazewell center could serve approximately 148 children.

Washington County’s expanded program is expected to serve about 100 students. These numbers describe planned licensed capacity, not current enrollment, so families should wait for official information about openings, applications, schedules, and availability.

Childcare supports Virginia’s growing workforce

Reliable childcare can affect a parent’s ability to work, accept shifts, pursue training, or stay connected with an employer. That makes childcare an important part of workforce planning for growing communities and local businesses today.

Virginia officials and EO Companies describe childcare as connected to economic development. The new projects are intended to expand access while helping local employers attract and retain workers and giving families more reliable care options.

Little-known fact: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that 91.6% of families with their own children under 18 had at least one employed parent in 2025.

Childcare costs remain a challenge

More childcare spaces can help families, but availability is only one part of the problem. Cost, location, schedules, and access can all affect whether parents can find care that works for their families.

A statewide survey cited by Virginia Mercury found about 65% of employers said workers struggled to find open childcare slots. More than 85% cited cost as a major burden for families and workers.

Several partners are sharing responsibility

The projects involve more than one organization or level of government. Federal disaster-recovery funding is being combined with state, local, philanthropic, and community resources to support childcare facilities and programs across participating communities.

EO Companies will implement the projects, while the Virginia Department of Education is involved through its regional early childhood partnership. Local governments, charitable organizations, and other partners are also contributing to individual projects.

Want to see how disaster recovery is affecting families nearby? West Virginia’s flood declaration request offers another look at the challenges households are facing.

Families will watch developments next

For families, the next question is when children can actually use these new spaces. The announcement provides project details and planned capacities, but it does not provide specific opening dates or enrollment deadlines.

Construction, expansion, staffing, coordination, and licensing must move forward before services begin. As projects develop, families should look for official updates about enrollment, tuition, schedules, and available childcare spaces in communities.

Curious how Virginia’s job market is changing too? See what the state’s new pay transparency law means for employers and workers.

What do you think about Virginia’s new childcare investment? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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