
Children who enter kindergarten unprepared are more likely to perform below grade level in third grade, and are unlikely to ever catch up.
Low third grade reading scores indicate future crime rates and are used when estimating future jail and prison populations.

The skills we look for in workers - critical thinking, problem solving, working well with others - are all built on the foundation of those early years?
That’s why every dollar invested in early childhood education yields a return on investment between $7 and $17.

Almost 90% of the brain’s development occurs before the age of 5, making these years the most critical for education and the foundation for all future learning?

Is my child ready? Free Online Developmental Screening for children ages birth-5.
Click on the MAP to view locations & a list of current star rated programs in the Roanoke Valley. To access specific star rating information for all rated programs, visit the state's VSQI website at www.smartbeginnings.org
What does high quality early education look like? (Click to download checklist)
If you would like more information about the Virginia Star Quality Initiative in Roanoke, please call 540.777.4211, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
“The Virginia Star Quality Initiative can raise the bar on early childhood education, but success will depend on consumers demanding it. Help spread the word."
Elizabeth Strother, Editor Roanoke Times
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