70.9 F
Virginia
Friday, April 4, 2025

Virginia schools face federal scrutiny over parental rights laws

The U.S. Department of Education is putting Virginia schools on notice, warning they could lose federal funding and face further investigation if they fail to comply with parental rights laws.

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors ratifies collective bargaining agreement with SEIU

During its April 1, 2025, meeting, the Board of Supervisors ratified a tentative collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Virginia 512 and the Loudoun County government,

Ommair Butt running for House of Delegates District 26

PRESS RELEASE from Ommair for VirginiaLoudoun County,...

Legislation Supporting Building Blocks for Virginia Families, Signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin

, VA – Yesterday, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed ten bipartisan bills, marking a pivotal milestone for Building Blocks for Families, an initiative designed to expand available child care options and empower working families across the Commonwealth by ensuring parents have the support they need to thrive in today’s workforce. This historic moment for Virginia families took place at Anthony Seeger Hall at James Madison University, home to the JMU Young Children’s Program, an early learning center that serves children ages two to five years. 

“We are sending a clear signal that Virginia is committed to ensuring a quality education for our children, empowering working moms and dads, and embracing participation — the foundational building blocks for not just family, but also for opportunity,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “With Building Blocks for Virginia Families, we are taking concrete steps to unleash opportunity across the Commonwealth, and make Virginia the very best place to live, work, and raise a family.” 

 “The historic investments made in innovative approaches through the Building Blocks initiative further strengthens Virginia’s best in class early childhood education system,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. “More children will be served by high quality early care, more parents will be able to work, and more employers will be able to grow thanks to this bipartisan investment. When our children thrive, Virginia thrives.” 

signed the following bills yesterday: 

HB 1024, patroned by Delegate Tony Wilt, requires the to review its Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff course to ensure it aligns with the age group requirements. 

HB 739, patroned by Delegate and chief co-patroned by Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata, and SB 702, patroned by Senator Suhas and chief co-patroned by Senator Tara Durant, exempts child day programs located on a military base, federal property, or certified by the US Armed Forces a from state licensure, removing unnecessary licensure requirements for qualified programs.  

HB 419, patroned by Delegate and chief co-patroned by Delegate Debra Gardner, and SB 54, patroned by Senator Mamie Locke, ensures continuity in early childhood care and education services by aligning the number of available slots to projected growth and parent demand,   

HB 1277, patroned by Delegate Amy Laufer and chief co-patroned by Delegate , expedites staffing and volunteers in certain childcare settings provided that a fingerprint-based background check is in place and the individuals will be supervised.   

HB 281, patroned by Delegate Atoosa Reaser and chief co-patroned by Delegate , and SB 13, patroned by Senator Barbara Favola, allows localities, to waive zoning permit requirements for child day program in office buildings, if the facility meets state licensure requirements. 

HB 508, patroned by Delegate Laura Cohen, allows the Department of Education to certify that individuals and staff of child day programs have passed background checks and are eligible to work or volunteer, streamlining staffing among child day programs while providing proper protections for children.  

HB 407, patroned by Delegate , streamlines access to childcare assistance by automatically qualifying Medicaid or WIC recipients, cutting red tape for families in need.  

Learn more about the broader efforts of Building Blocks for Virginia Families here.

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin. 

Read More: https://governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2024/august/name-1032057-en.html

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Subscribe to our newsletter!  Get updates on all the latest news in Virginia.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Check out our other content

Check out other tags:

Most Popular Articles

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x
×