• 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.

Academy for Families

Thank you for your interest in the Success by 6 Academy for Families!

Over the past two years more than 80 families have been actively involved in activities and events that support the healthy development and school readiness of their children and have reached the Silver, Bronze and Gold level within the Academy. Many more have contacted the Academy to solve a question or find a resource related to their small children.

Due to funding issues, the Academy for Families will not be able to continue providing services, but many of its programs will continue through Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley as our region works to achieve its goal of helping all children enter school healthy and prepared to succeed.

Events such as the Annual Celebrating Families Conference, parenting courses and various workshops related to early childhood wellbeing will continue to be offered.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or comments. We will be happy to add your name or take referrals for parents who are interested in a specific topic or need a service, and to link them with appropriate resources and/or educational opportunities taking place in our area.

You can read more about the Academy and its impact in the Report section of this website.

For more information contact:
 
Sylvia Whitney Beitzel
Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley
Parent Education and Support Action Team, Chair,
sb6whitney@gmail.com
Phone: (540) 746-5816