• Investing  in early childhood  makes solid economic sense.  A study by the Federal Reserve Bank reports that every $1 we spend on quality early learning education pays returns of $7-$17.   
  • 85% of the human brain is developed by age 5. 
  • 20% of today’s workers are functionally illiterate.  Early childhood development programs prepare our children to become adults who are literate, employable, and productive citizens. 
  • Virginia spends approximately $90 million annually on children who repeat grades K-3.
  • 1 in 4 children in the Shenandoah Valley enter school not ready to learn.

For more information, contact:

Program Managers

Stacie Jackson, Coordinator
jacks2sc@jmu.edu
540-568-8968

Pat Kennedy, Program Director
kennedpa@jmu.edu
540-568-2557

Fiscal Manager

Betsy Hay, United Way Harrisonburg-Rockingham
betsy.hay@uwhr.org
540-434-6639

Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley
James Madison University
Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services
MSC 9008
Harrisonburg, VA  22807

Join Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley

Please complete the information below and let us know how you would like to join us in our mission.

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I’d like to participate on the Early Care and Education Action Team
I’d like to participate on the Parent Education and Support Action Team
I’d like to participate on the Early Childhood Health Action Team
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