Is my child ready for kindergarten?

ONLINE SCREENING TOOL : Get Ready to Ready - Screening for 4 year olds

ARTICLE : Kindergarten Readiness 

CHECKLISTS & TIPS

pdfGeneral Readiness

pdfReading Readiness

pdfMath Readiness

pdfSocial Emotional Readiness

pdf Books to share with your child about starting Kindergarten

VIDEO "Preparing for Kindergarten" (TV segment from WSLS)

SMART BEGINNINGS for PARENTS!

Strategies for tackling the unique challenges of parenting toddlers & preschoolers, designed to help you parent more effectively and prepare your child for school success!

STEP Effective Parenting with Young Children : Next class scheduled to begin in April 2012 (in partnership with Children's Trust)

Becoming a LOVE & LOGIC Parent  Next class scheduled to begin in May 2012  (in partnership with Blue Ridge Parenting)

Call 777.4211 for more information about upcoming parent classes.

Parenting Resources

PRENATAL INFO
HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT
 5 Keys for NEW PARENTS  
LANGUAGE & LITERACY
 
PARENTING YOUNG CHILDREN
Children's Trust
Zero to Three 

CHILDCARE
 

Next Event

IS MY CHILD ON TRACK? Use the links below to learn more about the signs of school readiness (ages birth-5)

pdf Language Development (Birth-5)

Young Children: What to expect (US Dept of Ed)

html Learn the signs : Act Early (CDC)

html Growing Child : Brain Development age by age

How can I help my child?
"You are your child’s first TEACHER. Children thrive in nurturing environments that provide them with opportunities to learn through active play and social interaction. Regular every day activities can provide excellent opportunities to stimulate brain development and promote learning.  WATCH & LEARN -  Early Learning tips for parents.....click to view SBGR TV segments now!   Check out the newsletter articles below, or the resources listed on the right side of this page, for more information about how you can help your child.

SBGR Parent Newsletter Articles about Early Learning :

pdfFeb. 2012 "Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?"

pdf March 2011 "Ready for School...Ready for Life"

pdf April 2011 "Simple Learning Games"

pdf May 2011 "The Great Outdoors"

pdf June 2011 "Self Esteem Builds Confidence"

pdf July 2011 "Summer Reading (for Parents!)"

pdf Aug 2011 "Getting Ready for the First Day of Preschool & Kindergarten"

pdfSept 2011 "Understanding Young Children and Their Behavior"

pdfOct 2011 "8 Great Ways to Teach the ABCs"

pdfNov 2011 "Great Books for School Readiness"

pdfDec 2011 "Best Toys for School Readiness"

If you would like to receive the SBGR Parents Page monthly newsletter via email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   "Like" us on Facebook to receive regular updates & information about early learning from Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke www.facebook.com/smartbeginningsroanoke
 
Choosing Quality Childcare

Research shows that the quality of child care children receive sets the stage for all future learning. Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke is the local coordinator for the Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI), a statewide effort to improve the quality of preschools and child care centers by providing each site with professional development training,·one-on-one mentoring, funding for quality enhancement, and a star rating. This rating serves as an indicator of the quality of care provided at each center– a valuable resource for parents seeking quality childcare.

Read  What to Look for in High Quality Childcare & Preschool Facilities to learn more.

The following map shows the childcare centers & preschools have voluntarily chosen to participate in the VA Star Quality Initiative in Roanoke.· By doing so, these programs are demonstrating their commitment to providing quality early learning experiences for young children in the Roanoke Valley. Hoover over each push pin to learn more.

 

View local news coverage about the Star Quality Initiative:·

LUNCH & LEARN SEMINAR for WORKING PARENTS -  Learn more about the importance of high quality early education, by hosting a Smart Beginings Lunch & Learn seminar at your workplace! Seminars are typically 45 min-1 hour during the lunch break and include a free SBGR lunch tote for each attendee. Call 540-777-4211 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

pdfLunch & Learn Slideshow "Quality Childcare - Do you know what to look for?"

For additional·tips from Childcare Link,·on finding quality childcare that is right for your child,··CLICK HERE·······
 
Parent Education

Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke is proud to promote and support the following best practice models and evidence based parent education organizations and businesses in our region.

** If you would like to offer a Parent Education Workshop for parents in your school or organization, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 540.777.4211 **
 
Family Friendly Events

macaronikidlogosmall

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS?

Macaroni Kid is a FREE online family & community resource that is now available in Roanoke! Sign up to receive weekly updates on child friendly activities and events in the Roanoke Valley. Each month Macaroni Kid Roanoke will be featuring an article about early learning in their newsletter, written by Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke.

View Macaroni Kid Roanoke on WDBJ 7's morning news!

November 19th, 2011 - SAVE the DATE Barnes & Noble Book Fair for Smart Beginnings

pdfBook Fair Information and Wish List
 


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

Consuella Caudill