• 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.

Our Localities

Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley represents a regional coalition centered on early childhood development initiatives.  In addition to this regional perspective, each of the four localities felt it important to maintain a local focus as well.  To accomplish this, Locality Teams were formed and meet regularly to plan and promote early childhood initiatives their communities.  A brief overview of the localities, contact information, and the most recent Locality Team minutes can be found below.  

Greater Augusta
The Greater Augusta region is comprised of Augusta County and the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro in the central Shenandoah Valley.  Boasting a blend of agriculture, culturally diverse communities, and a variety of recreational activities, Greater Augusta provides unique opportunities to its citizens.  The combined population exceeds 113,000 individuals with more than half of the population residing in Augusta County.  Greater Augusta’s Locality Team has centered their efforts on raising public awareness about early childhood development and are committed to ensuring the success of their youngest children.  To learn more about the Locality Team’s efforts, contact Andrea Riegel at 540-245-5131 or ariegel@augusta.k12.va.us.

Harrisonburg/ Rockingham
Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County is located in the heart of the central Shenandoah Valley.  Both ethically and culturally diverse, this region maintains a combined population of 118,867 (2007).  Harrisonburg-Rockingham’s Locality Team is comprised of professionals from diverse backgrounds who support and advocate for quality early childhood development.  To learn more about the Locality Team’s efforts, contact Betsy Hay at 540-434-6639, betsy.hay@uwhr.org or Cheryl Burke at 540-421-1049, cburkeedc@aol.com.

Page County
Page County is located in the northern area of the Shenandoah Valley and includes the towns of Luray, Stanley, and Shenandoah. Tourism and agriculture are primary industries within the county, with thousands of people annually visiting Luray Caverns and  Shenandoah National Park 's Skyline Drive .  Page County is home to over 23,000 individuals (2000). Though Page is smaller than the other localities, it is a connected community where collaboration happens daily. Page County is very proud to have been a partner with Smart Beginnings from its origins in the Shenandoah Valley . The Page County Locality Team works to meet the overall goals of Smart Beginnings and also to address needs specific to children within the county. To learn more about their work, contact Lisa Goodman Brown at 540-778-7282 or lbrown@pagecounty.k12.va.us.

Shenandoah County
Shenandoah County is a thriving community in the northwestern area of the Shenandoah Valley consisting of over 40,000 citizens. Situated between the Alleghany and Massanutten Mountains, it is primarily known for its agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. The Shenandoah County locality team consists of dedicated community members, educators and child care providers that strive to ensure the success of young children across the region. To learn more about their work, contact Stephanie Dysart at 540-984-9601 or dsdysart@shentel.net .
Shenandoah County Preschool Services Guide