1.Goal: To pilot a new strategy designed to improve the quality of early childhood education in Fairfax County by enhancing the mathematical skills and teaching capabilities of early childhood educators. This program design is closely aligned with Fairfax County’s new strategic plan, Strong Foundations, Bright Futures: A Strategy for Early Childhood in Fairfax County, particularly focused on Goal 3 (Elevate the Early Childhood Workforce).

2.Framework: Fairfax Futures, in partnership with the Institute for Early Learning (IFEL), will develop a math course for early childhood educators that is specifically designed to bridge the gap in educators’ confidence and knowledge in math, ultimately supporting the development of the young children they teach. The target audience includes Fairfax County, Virginia early childhood educators who teach children ages 3-5 years.

The Math Series for Early Childhood Educators project aims to empower educators, improve early math education, and build a strong foundation for children’s future success in STEM fields. Investing in professional development empowers teachers to confidently nurture early math skills, bridge gaps and prepare children for future challenges. By addressing current gaps and leveraging community resources, this project has the potential to make a significant and lasting impact. To achieve these goals, the initiative will follow a structured three-phase approach, ensuring sustainability and measurable outcomes.

Phase I (Initial Grant Funding) Research and Development. The initial phase focuses on laying the groundwork for the program. A knowledgeable consultant will be hired to support research and develop an evidence-based course. The course structure will be mapped out and built within Early Learning Management System (ELMS), incorporating multiple learning modalities such as asynchronous learning, in-person sessions, and observational components. The consultant will also train course facilitators to effectively guide educators through the learning experience.

3.Measures of Performance: We will begin this project with a focus on process and output measurements, which will include a phased approach to training and implementation, growing the number of participating programs.Following participants’ successful completion of the course, these outcomes are expected:

• Increase in math knowledge and instructional skills for educators
• Improvement in numeracy outcomes and long-term academic success for young learners which align with both local and state goals for strengthening early education
• Increase interest in and pursuit of educators’ advancement in career pathways and enrollment in higher education
• Upward growth in building a strong foundation for children’s future success in STEM fields
• 4.Phase I Potential Metrics:
  Goal 1: Develop a comprehensive, evidence-based course by researching best practices in early childhood math education and consulting with subject matter experts in the field.
• Goal 2: Design the course structure within the identified learning management system, incorporating multiple learning modalities (asynchronous learning, in- 6 of 12 person sessions, and observational components) to maximize accessibility and engagement.
• Goal 3: Train course facilitators to ensure consistent delivery and support for participating educators throughout the course.
• Goal 4: Establish partnerships with key stakeholders, including IFEL, Fairfax County, and potential funders, to support program development and long-term sustainability.
• Goal 5: Create a funding roadmap by assessing the feasibility of securing extended grant funding from local, state, and federal partners to sustain and expand the initiative.
• Goal 6: Evaluate long-term student impact by designing a plan to compare VKRP Math and literacy outcomes for participating students with broader county-level averages.