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.

SBGR Parent Newsletter Articles about Early Learning :

• Feb. 2012 "Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?"
• March 2012 "Ready for School....Ready for Life!"
• April 2012 "Dealing With Parenting Challenges"
• May 2012 "Outdoor Learning"
•  June 2011 "Self Esteem Builds Confidence"
•  July 2011 "Summer Reading (for Parents!)"
•  Aug 2011 "Getting Ready for the First Day of Preschool and Kindergarten"
• Sept 2011 "Understanding Young Children and Their Behavior"
• Oct 2011 "8 Great Ways to Teach the ABCs"
• Nov 2011 "Great Books for School Readiness"
• Dec 2011 "Best Toys for School Readiness"

If you would like to receive the SBGR Parents Page monthly newsletter via email, This email 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

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. 

WATCH WSLS TV Segment from February 2012

READ What to Look for in High Quality Childcare and Preschool Facilities to learn more about the Virginia Star Quality Initiative.

VIEW SLIDESHOW "What to look for in high quality early learning environments"

View other local news coverage about the Star Quality Initiative:

• WSET ABC news segment "Star Quality Initiative Helps With Childcare Choice"
• WSLS Our·Blue Ridge· segment "Importance of Choosing Quality Childcare"
• FOX 21/27 News Segment "Daycare Dilema"
• The Roanoke Times "Rating day care facilities helps level the playing field"

LUNCH & LEARN SEMINAR for WORKING PARENTS

Learn more about the importance of high quality early education, by hosting a Smart Beginnings 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 email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

For additional·tips from Childcare Link,·on finding quality childcare that is right for your child, download this brochure.

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.

• Child Health Investment Partnership (CHIP)
• Children's Trust Roanoke Valley
• Blue Ridge Parenting LLC
• TAP Head Start Family and Health Services

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

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS?

Macaroni Kid is a FREE online family and 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!