Building a strong start: How Virginia Tech is supporting early childhood education – Virginia Tech News

Report on the 2025 Igniting Connections Symposium: Advancing Early Childhood Education and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The 2025 Igniting Connections Symposium convened a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to shaping the future of early childhood education. This event emphasized the critical role of early childhood development in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Keynote Address and Core Message

Jim Harris delivered the keynote address, underscoring the privilege and responsibility involved in participating in a child’s life. His message resonated with attendees, reinforcing the importance of nurturing early childhood development as a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being, aligned with SDG 4.

Event Hosting and Community Engagement

The symposium was hosted in September by Virginia Tech’s Early Childhood Education Initiatives in partnership with the Community Foundation of the New River Valley’s First Steps. The event highlighted the New River Valley’s child care community, which supports hundreds of families, including Virginia Tech employees.

According to Bryan Garey, Vice President for Human Resources at Virginia Tech, hosting the event reflects the university’s commitment to expanding high-quality child care across the region. This initiative supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enabling parents and caregivers to participate fully in the workforce.

Symposium Activities and Focus Areas

The annual symposium featured:

1. A keynote speaker addressing the importance of early childhood education.
2. Interactive workshops focusing on:

• Social-emotional growth
• Curriculum development
• Behavioral strategies
• Leadership in challenging times

These activities support SDG 4 by enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of early childhood education.

Community Collaboration and Sustainable Solutions

Lisa Wilkes, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Special Assistant to the President, emphasized the importance of community-wide engagement. She highlighted the collective responsibility of child care centers, community leaders, parents, caregivers, local government, and businesses in creating sustainable solutions. This collaborative approach aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ensuring the health and sustainability of the child care ecosystem.

Sponsorship and Regional Support

The symposium’s sponsors, representing organizations across Virginia, reaffirmed their commitment to early childhood education and sustainable development. Sponsors included:

• Child Care Aware of VA
• Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library
• New River Community College
• NRV Cares
• Radford University
• Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children
• EO, an Abingdon-based organization developing regional solutions for early childhood care and education

Christine McCartney, Early Childhood Care and Education Program Coordinator for EO, highlighted the organization’s role in supporting child care centers and families to access quality care, further advancing SDG 4 and SDG 10.

Growth and Impact of the Symposium

The symposium has experienced significant growth, doubling its attendance over the past two years. This increase reflects a regional shift towards recognizing early childhood education as a shared community responsibility rather than merely a service. The event fosters meaningful dialogue among educators, caregivers, and partners, contributing to sustainable community development and the achievement of multiple SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article focuses on early childhood education, highlighting the importance of high-quality child care and education for young children.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Emphasis on social-emotional growth and the health of the child care ecosystem indicates a connection to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article discusses supporting the child care workforce and creating sustainable solutions to reduce pressure on workers, linking to decent work conditions.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The symposium brings together community partners, universities, government, and organizations, illustrating multi-stakeholder partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.2: Ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education.
   • Target 4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers, including early childhood educators.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being, including social-emotional development in children.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including in the child care sector.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years experiencing developmental delays or disabilities.
   • Indicator 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in early childhood education who have received relevant training.
2. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (implied by focus on social-emotional well-being).
   • Indicator related to mental health and social-emotional development in children (implied).
3. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (implied by workforce support).
   • Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries (implied by focus on safe work environments).
4. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships (implied by multi-stakeholder collaboration).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.vt.edu