• 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.

Early Childhood Leadership Summit

April 29th, 2010

The Fifth Annual Early Childhood Leadership Summit, sponsored by Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley, has been a cornerstone of activity for individuals and organizations with an interest in early childhood development. The Summit has grown to include business leaders, school personnel, community agencies, early childhood providers, faith-based members, and parents from across central Shenandoah Valley.   

Summit Goals:
  • Raise awareness of early childhood development as a key economic and education strategy for our region.
  • Share the outcomes of our recently conducted Early Childhood Needs Assessment
  • Provide a forum for networking among early childhood service providers, academicians and community leaders
  • Build capacity of the Coalition to develop a strategic plan for the next three to five years

This year’s event will be held Thursday, April 29th, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the James Madison University Festival Conference and Student Center located in Harrisonburg.

Register for Summit Please note that each registration must be entered individually