Smart Beginnings

Young children between birth and kindergarten, along with their parents and their early childhood care providers.

Our program offers educational opportunities so that parents will exhibit increased knowledge of effective ways to support child development and evaluate early childhood resources to best meet their child’s needs. Parenting seminars are offered throughout the year, in different locations. A full-day parent conference is offered each April in partnership with TAP Head Start.

Our program offers free quarterly Quality Enhancement Workshops to childcare professionals in the region to ensure that early childhood educators are equipped to provide the best care possible to children during their early years. These workshops are based on the state Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals and the Milestones of Early Childhood Development.

Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke is a local coordinator for the Virginia Quality, a statewide program that works to improve the quality of preschools and child care centers by providing each site with on site mentoring, staff training, funding for enhancement, and a star rating. This rating serves as an indicator of the quality of care provided at each center– a valuable resource for parents seeking childcare

There are many ways you can help. You can make an investment in Roanoke’s future workforce by making a donation to Smart Beginnings through the United Way’s Community Impact Fund. You can also provide non-monetary support by volunteering. Visit our Get Involved Page to find opportunities.