• 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.

Learning Opportunities

Are you a parent? Childcare provider and teacher? Someone interested in learning more about early childhood development?  Click on the links below to view training and workshop opportunities in our area.  Registration information is provided with each link.  If you have questions or need additional help, contact Stacie Jackson, Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley Coordinator, at jacks2sc@jmu.edu.

The Fall 2009 Professional Development Catalog for Child Care Professionals published by the Virginia Department of Social Services is now available online at http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cc/professionals_resources.html (click on Professional Development Catalog). The catalog includes class schedules, registration information, and additional professional development information.

Love and Logic, May 2010, Greater Augusta
For Kids’s Sake, Greater Augusta
Shenandoah County Preschool Guide
FREE Money Management Clinics, Shenandoah and Page Counties