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Early Education Business Advisory Council

In April 2008, Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads held its first regional Council meeting.  This invitation only event brought presidents & CEOs from the region’s largest corporations and small businesses together to discuss why investing in the early years is critical to developing a competitive and job-ready workforce.

The Council is led by Gary McCollum of Cox Communications and meets bi-annually to:

  • strategize about innovative solutions to support the current workforce and invest in tomorrow’s
  • move Virginia towards a kids-first policy agenda
  • advocate for greater public-private investment in young children
  • be champions for our cause

Join the growing number of voices in the business community who are advocating for policies that maximize returns on investment. Call 266-8826 or email Lisa Howard to get involved today.

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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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