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- 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.
Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley is one of more than 20 coalitions around the Commonwealth of Virginia engaged in collaborative partnerships with childcare professionals, business leaders, schools, faith based organizations, and government officials to identify and implement long-term strategies for improving school readiness for our youngest citizens, birth to age five.
We are building partnerships across the Shenandoah Valley in the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro and the counties of Augusta, Page, Rockingham, and Shenandoah.
Our mission is to help all children enter school healthy and prepared to succeed.
Our vision is a diverse community where every family is supported and has access to quality programs and resources for their young child.
We recognize all children are at risk when high quality early learning opportunities are not available.
Our goal is to create ready children. Ready Children have had a variety of quality learning experiences. They are comfortable with their peers. They can communicate and interact effectively with adults. Ready Children have their basic life needs met prior to coming to school so all their energy can be channeled into learning.
We can do this by:
• Raising awareness of the importance of the early childhood development.
• Building collaborative partnerships to address early childhood needs in our communities.
• Harnessing our area’s resources and channeling them into improving the lives of our youngest citizens…our children.
Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley is changing the way things work so our young children can come to school ready to succeed. We invite you to join us in our efforts!
For more information, contact:
Alysia Davis, Coalition Coordinator
davis4am@jmu.edu
540-568-8968
Kim Hartzler-Weakly, Program Director
hartzlkm@jmu.edu
540-568-7083