• 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:

Coalition Coordinator

Alysia Davis
davis4am@jmu.edu
540-568-8968

Program Manager

Kim Hartzler-Weakly, Program Director
hartzlkm@jmu.edu
540-568-7083


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

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