Who Are We?
Smart Beginnings of Franklin Patrick was created in October 2009 with a generous grant from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and matching funds from the Franklin and Patrick school divisions, and Piedmont Community Services. United Way of Franklin County is fiscal agent for the project and also provides office space to the Smart Beginnings Coordinator. The effort is part of a statewide network of projects aimed at helping all children enter kindergarten with the social and cognitive skills needed to succeed.

Why the Focus on Infants & Toddlers?

• 90% of brain development occurs within the first 5 years of life. Yet an increasing number of children are not prepared to succeed in kindergarten. Studies show that children who struggle in kindergarten often continue to struggle in school -- and in life.

• Research has shown that children who did not attend school based early childhood education programs were 70% more likely to be arrested for violent crime by age 18.

• Early identification of special needs in children under age 6 can reap great benefits. Enrolling a child in special education at least two years before kindergarten can produce savings of $30,000 - $100,000 per child.

• For every $1 invested in early childhood development programs there is a $7 - $8 return.
• For every child who participates in a high quality preschool program, the public benefit is $70,000 in avoided crime costs.

• The lack of available childcare creating employee absences costs U.S. businesses $3 billion annually.

Our Plan
In 2010 a coaltion of local volunteers will assess needs for young children and their families in the service area and develop a strategic plan that establishes criteria, time and resources for making systemic improvements to early childhood resources in the area.

You Can Help!
We seek individuals from Franklin and Patrick counties -- parents, teachers, retired educators, business people, municipal leaders, child care providers, grandparents, social service providers, and others! If you have a few hours to give each month to help assess the needs of your community and put into place a great plan for the future, please contact Nancy Bell [nbell@smartbeginningsfp.org or 540 483 4949].

Who Are We?
Smart Beginnings of Franklin Patrick was created in October 2009 with a generous grant from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and matching funds from the Franklin and Patrick school divisions, and Piedmont Community Services. United Way of Franklin County is fiscal agent for the project and also provides office space to the Smart Beginnings Coordinator. The effort is part of a statewide network of projects aimed at helping all children enter kindergarten with the social and cognitive skills needed to succeed.

Why the Focus on Infants & Toddlers?

• 90% of brain development occurs within the first 5 years of life. Yet an increasing number of children are not prepared to succeed in kindergarten. Studies show that children who struggle in kindergarten often continue to struggle in school -- and in life.

• Research has shown that children who did not attend school based early childhood education programs were 70% more likely to be arrested for violent crime by age 18.

• Early identification of special needs in children under age 6 can reap great benefits. Enrolling a child in special education at least two years before kindergarten can produce savings of $30,000 - $100,000 per child.

• For every $1 invested in early childhood development programs there is a $7 - $8 return.
• For every child who participates in a high quality preschool program, the public benefit is $70,000 in avoided crime costs.

• The lack of available childcare creating employee absences costs U.S. businesses $3 billion annually.

Our Plan
In 2010 a coaltion of local volunteers will assess needs for young children and their families in the service area and develop a strategic plan that establishes criteria, time and resources for making systemic improvements to early childhood resources in the area.

You Can Help!
We seek individuals from Franklin and Patrick counties -- parents, teachers, retired educators, business people, municipal leaders, child care providers, grandparents, social service providers, and others! If you have a few hours to give each month to help assess the needs of your community and put into place a great plan for the future, please contact Nancy Bell [nbell@smartbeginningsfp.org or 540 483 4949].