Smart Beginnings is a network of locally operated coalitions that are working to improve the quality of care and education for children from birth until kindergarten.
In the state of Virginia, 1 out of 7 children will enter kindergarten unprepared. That’s why Smart Beginnings partners across the state are working with parents and early childhood professionals to ensure that each child will be ready to succeed in school and in life.
Each coalition works toward the same statewide goal with solutions they determine based on each region's needs. For example, one location may decide to focus on parent education and the Virginia Star Quality Initiative, while another location may focus on professional development for childcare providers and school readiness screenings.
The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation provides leadership and funding to the regional initiatives. To learn more about the types of grants and the RFP's currently available, visit the
Grants page.
Altarum Institute Final Report
The Altarum Institute Final Report is the culmination of a year-long project to evaluate the effectiveness of Smart Beginnings Coalitions and the support provided to coalitions by VECF staff.
Using qualitative methods including surveys, interviews, and a progress assessment form, this project built upon a 2 ½ year relationship with Altarum that resulted in an extensive Literature Review of Coalition Development as well as a Toolkit for Effective Coalition Development (available to download on page left).
Our sincere thanks to the Smart Beginnings Coalitions, whose Coordinators and coalition members provided important information and feedback that contributed significantly to the evaluation. This work provides an important foundation for future Smart Beginnings evaluation efforts.
> Click here for Final Evaluation Report.
> Click here for Final Interview Summary.
> Click here for Final Report Appendices.