The VA Infant & Toddler Specialist Network strives to achieve excellence in early care by increasing the educational level and skills of those who care for infants and toddlers, whether in family homes or in centers. Thirteen highly qualified infant and toddler specialists work in eight regional offices across the state. The specialists provide three levels of service designed to strenghten the capacity of early care and education programs to deliver high quality services:

• Level 1: Onsite consultation services including mentoring and support using quality improvement plans
• Level 2: Training and technical assistance to groups of caregivers/teachers and directors

• Level 3: Resources and linkages to existing professional development opportunities

With Child Development Resources’ leadership, a state level leadership council guides the work of partners and collaborators to establish a statewide, comprehensive network.

Key partners include the Virginia Department of Social Services; the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation; Voices for Virginia’s Children; the Infant Toddler Connection of Virginia; the Virginia Department of Health; the Virginia Child Care Resource and Referral Network; the Comprehensive Health Investment Project of Virginia; The Planning Council; the Virginia Head Start Association; community-based Smart Beginnings coalitions; families; institutions of higher education; community-based early care, education, and health programs; and others.