SUFFOLK, VIRGINIA (August 1, 2025) Minus 9 to 5, Ready Region Southeastern & Suffolk Economic Development are proud to announce the successful opening of five new licensed Family Day Homes. The Suffolk Family Day Home Pilot Program marks a significant step forward in expanding access to high-quality, affordable childcare for local families. This achievement is part of a pilot program sponsored by Minus 9 to 5, Ready Region Southeastern, part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.
“These new family day homes represent more than just additional childcare options—they represent opportunity, empowerment, and economic growth for both families and providers,” said Ja’Ron Vanderhall, Childcare Capacity Coordinator with Minus 9 to 5. Each home reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of providers who are stepping up to meet the needs of our growing community.
As the sole sponsor, Minus 9 to 5, Ready Region Southeastern has played a vital role in funding and supporting the launch of the Suffolk Pilot Program, ensuring providers receive the resources, training, and guidance needed to open and operate licensed childcare homes successfully. This collaborative effort with Suffolk Economic Development has proved that a key community partner committed to strengthening early childhood education in the region is vital to the launch of successful programming.
These five Family Day Homes will be able to immediately serve 20 children, offering families greater flexibility and access to licensed, high-quality childcare. The success of this initiative highlights Suffolk’s ongoing investment in the future generation and the importance of cross-sector collaboration.
Minus 9 to 5 is a collective impact initiative of the M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health housed in the Department of Pediatrics, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Their mission is to identify and bridge the gaps in our current system and expand services to all families needing reliable prenatal and postpartum health care.
For More Information about Minus 9 to 5 or the Suffolk Family Day Home Pilot Program, please contact Ja’Ron Vanderhall at jvanderh@udo.org.
