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Early Learning Initiatives

On October 22, 2008 Governor Tim Kaine announced $4.6 million in grants that will fund four initiatives to help children in South Hampton Roads arrive at school prepared for success.  The Batten Educational Achievement Fund of The Norfolk Foundation will provide Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads with $4.1 million in grants and The Norfolk Foundation’s unrestricted funds will provide another $585,000 to support the initiatives.

The initiatives will:

  • Help implement the cities’ early childhood plans;
  • Improve the quality of early education in 28 centers and 10 home providers;
  • Raise the public’s understanding of the importance of quality care for children;
  • Link families of newborn children to needed services

Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads Early Childhood Initiatives for 2008-2010:

  • Quality Improvement
  • Early Learning Challenge Grants
  • Public Awareness Campaign
  • Universal Newborn Screening and Referral Service
  • Faith Based Alliance

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Did You Know?

Did You KnowDid You Know
  • 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the age of 5.
  • 78% of parents of children under 6 in South Hampton Roads work outside the home, and must find care for thier children.
  • 1 in 8 children in our region arrives at kindergarten not ready.
  • Children who start school behind tend to stay behind.
  • Nationally, 49% of children arriving at school unprepared come from middle and upper income families.
  • 18% of kindergartners held back in Virginia live in South Hampton Roads.
  • Holding back a child in kindergarten adds almost $8,000 to the public cost of that child’s education.
  • 3rd grade reading level is a powerful predictor: for those who fail the 3rd grade reading test, half will also fail the 5th grade.
  • In fact, 62% of Virginia’s students cannot read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade.
  • A working, middle class family, with two young children, will spend on average 29% of their income on child care.


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