Common Ground Childcare – Theory of Change

Problem Statement
High-quality early childhood education is essential for children’s development and family stability, yet access is limited. Families struggle with affordability, and early childhood educators face low wages and burnout, threatening program quality and consistency. Without intervention, children risk entering kindergarten unprepared, and families face economic strain.

Inputs (What We Invest)

  • Experienced teachers and staff

  • STREAMin3 curriculum, Conscious Discipline, ST Math, and play-based learning materials

  • Professional development and teacher coaching

  • Family engagement workshops and communication tools

  • Community partnerships and subsidy programs

  • Safe, nurturing classroom environments

Activities (What We Do)

  • Provide full-day, year-round early education and care for children birth–age 12

  • Deliver responsive, play-based learning aligned with Virginia’s VQB5 standards

  • Offer on-demand infant care, school-age enrichment, and preschool readiness programming

  • Train and support teachers with evidence-based practices and leadership opportunities

  • Engage families through workshops, daily communication, and shared learning strategies

  • Mentor high school and college-aged staff in early childhood career pathways

Outputs (Direct Results)

  • 150+ children served annually

  • 20 young adults employed and mentored each year

  • 16+ hours of professional development provided to all staff annually

  • Family workshops and engagement events hosted quarterly

  • Environments that meet or exceed Virginia licensing and VQB5 standards

Short-Term Outcomes

  • Children show measurable gains in social-emotional, language, and cognitive development

  • Families report stronger engagement and reduced stress from reliable care

  • Teachers demonstrate increased effectiveness, stability, and job satisfaction

  • Young adult staff gain skills and pathways into education careers

Intermediate Outcomes

  • Children enter kindergarten confident, curious, and ready to succeed

  • Families maintain stable employment and financial security

  • Reduced staff turnover improves classroom continuity and quality

  • Pipeline of well-trained young educators strengthens the workforce

Long-Term Impact

  • Every child in Reston, regardless of income, has access to excellent early education

  • Early educators are valued and compensated as professionals

  • Families and children thrive, contributing to a stronger, more equitable community

  • Common Ground Childcare serves as a model of sustainable, high-quality early learning