- 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.
Leadership Council
Mr. Patrick Coffield
County Administrator
Augusta County
Dr. Robin Crowder
Superintendent
Waynesboro City Public Schools
Ms. Missie Deibert
Valley Eye Clinic
Page County
Ms. Kathy Holsinger
President
OSD, Inc.
Mr. William Holtzman
President
Holtzman Oil Corporation
Ms. Tracey Jones
Regional Vice President
WHSV TV3
Ms. Lauren Kibler
Marketing Director
Chick fil-A of Harrisonburg
Dr. Steven Nichols
Superintendent
Staunton City Public Schools
Dr. Sarah Pumphrey
Pediatrician
Augusta Pediatrics
Ms. Mary T. Price
Assistant County Administrator
Shenandoah County
Ms. Nancy Reed
Attorney
Reed & Reed, P.C.
Mr. Thomas Rosazza
President
Pioneer Bank
Mr. Alan Shelton
Senior Food Scientist
Cargill Meats
Dr. Rhonda Zingraff
Associate Dean, CISAT
James Madison University