Mission

To improve quality of early care and education in the Greater Roanoke region, so that every child will enter kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed in school and life.

 pdfRead our most recent quaterly report - CLICK HERE

What makes our efforts unique:

  • A community collaborative implementing activities that can impact the whole community
  • Shared strategies and outcomes among partners
  • Reduced duplication and maximized resources.
  • Integrated parent and provider education.
OUR CORE STRATEGIES
About Us
  • Expand advocacy and education efforts that emphasize the value of early care and education as an economic development strategy.
  • Coordinate a system of professional development opportunities that aligns with the State’s Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals and the early childhood milestones.
  • Implement a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for preschools and childcare centers.
  • Coordinate a parent education system that reinforces parent’s role in providing quality early childhood education experiences and supporting their child’s development.

Learn more about us.......

pdf SBGR Coalition Leaders 2011-2012

pdf SBGR Goals & Strategies for School Readiness

pdf Smart Beginnings: Why They Matter (SBGR brochure)

pdf What to Look For in Quality Childcare & Preschool Facilities (VSQI brochure) 
 
School Readiness

Connections

On April 15th, 2011, SBGR was featured on Cox Connections to give an overview of the work they are doing related to school readiness.
 


Coalition Partners & Funders

Steering Committee

  • Dr. Rose Martin,  Blue Ridge Public Television
  • Jane Conlin, City of Roanoke Human Social Services
  • Colleen Kraft, M.D., Carilion Clinic
  • Lorraine S. Lange, Ed.D., Roanoke County Schools
  • Debbie Meade, The Roanoke Times
  • Dr. Robert Sandel, SBGR Chair, Virginia Western Community College
  • Kathy Stockburger, Consultant, Kathy Stockburger Consulting
  • Sheila Umberger, Roanoke Public Libraries
  • Diane Washenberger, Salem City Schools
  • Joyce Waugh, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Steven Cronemeyer, Verizon
  • Robert Burton, Suntrust Bank
  • Frank Rogan, United Way Roanoke Valley
  • Pam Kestner, Council of Community Services
  • Margaret-Hunter Wade, Cox Communications
  • Dr. Craig Ramey, VT Carilion Research Institute
  • Abby Verdillo, United Way Roanoke Valley
  • Amy Hatheway, TAP Head Start
  • Kim Gregory, VWCC
  • Lisa Denny, Children's Trust
  • Hollie Blankemeyer, Greenvale School
  • Maria Ferrone, Honeytree

 

“The program has really helped me to nurture my baby and be more confident as a parent.”

Consuella Caudill