The path to success begins early in life.  Which path do we want for Roanoke's future workforce? Click here, or on image below to see the impact of school readiness programs and services.

In today’s struggling economy all businesses are looking for opportunities that offer the greatest return on investment. Early childhood education is key to the development of a vibrant and skilled workforce, and studies have shown that every $1 you invest in early childhood education yields a ROI of between $7 and $17.

• ROI - Early Childhood Development and Return on Investment
• The Case for Smart Beginnings: SBGR Brochure
• Read an editorial from the Roanoke Times "Just good business sense" from April 2011.

One of the most profound issues facing our community today is that many of the 20 percent of children entering kindergarten unprepared have to repeat grades which create a huge tax burden on our community. These children have an extremely difficult time being successful in school, and that difficulty extends into their working life. In 10 years, 40 percent of Virginia’s workforce will be eligible for retirement and the Smart Beginnings of Greater Roanoke Coalition is dedicated to ensuring that tomorrow’s workforce can meet the needs of your business.

• Smart Beginnings and the Workforce Pipeline 

Click image to watch 2 minute video

An investment today in early childhood education will return benefits to your business and the Roanoke region’s future economy. Did you know that today:

• Low reading scores in third grade are indicators of future crime rates and one of the criteria used in estimating future prison and jail population.
• In Virginia, 12,000 students in grades K-3 were not promoted in 2002-03. It costs taxpayers $95.7 million annually in Virginia for un-promoted children.

Smart Beginnings of Greater Roanoke is working to help every child in the Roanoke Valley enter kindergarten emotionally, socially, academically, and physically ready to succeed in school, in work, and in life. They will:

• Provide support and information to parents and family members raising children
• Improve the quality of early childhood programs
• Ensure young children have access to health supports and services.

Smart Beginnings of Greater Roanoke will work to create a culture of change to address these issues. A minor investment in the program can ensure major dividends in a productive future workforce.

We need your help to continue to improve the economic outlook of our community’s workforce. I hope you’ll follow the lead of the Roanoke Times, Cox, The Business Council, and others by investing in a productive workforce.

SBGR Strategic Plan 2012-2015 (Overview)  To view our entire strategic plan, please call #540-777-4211 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To find out more about how you can get involved with Smart Beginnings of Greater Roanoke call 540.777.4206.