A smart, competitive workforce doesn’t just happen. It begins at birth. Studies show that children who have quality early education experiences are not only better prepared for kindergarten but for the rest of their lives as students, citizens and future employees.

The evidence is clear:

• Research indicates that before age 5, children acquire the foundation for desirable business skills such as communication, teamwork and critical thinking. It’s a narrow window, one we can’t afford to miss.
• 90% of a child’s brain development happens before kindergarten yet Virginia’s investment in early education is considerably below the national average.
• Nearly 2/3 of our preschool children in South Hampton Roads attend some form of daily child care, the quality of which not only affects their learning experiences but the peace of mind of their parents—your employees.
• Children who start behind stay behind. Retaining a child in elementary school adds almost $8,000 annually to the public cost of that child’s education. Last year, unprepared kindergartners cost South Hampton Roads close to $6 million.
• According to the Federal Reserve, every dollar spent on early childhood education delivers a $7 ROI for the future. Today’s increasingly competitive global economy requires a skilled and educated work force. Area businesses must act strategically to make sure we have one in place.

Your Support Is Critical To Quality Early Education Centers.

By partnering with Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads to sponsor an early education center, you’re sending a clear and effective message to the community and your employees where you live and work: that children in our community matter. As an Adopt-A-Center sponsor, you will help:

• Increase teacher education and qualifications through scholarships
• Provide books and early learning materials
• Improve teacher-child interactions
• Prepare children academically and socially for
kindergarten