Hampton, Newport News
www.smartbeginningsvp.org
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This public-private coalition of organizations and agencies serves Hampton and Newport News. Smart Beginnings Virginia Peninsula collaborates on early childhood issues to ensure all children start kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed in school and in life.
Initiatives:
Support for Parents & Child Care Providers
• Resource Guide: Created Watch Me Grow book for parents and providers
• Virginia Star Quality Initiative: Assists child care providers on preparing to be screened and receiving mentors and training
• Social-Emotional Screening: Trains child care providers to identify developmental delays
• Behavior Problems: Assembled a team of social workers and psychologists to work with child care providers on behavior
• Prenatal Screening: Developed a universal screening that will be administered to expectant moms in partnership with OBGYN offices, clinics and emergency facilities
• Parent Education: Ongoing
• Awareness Brochures: Disseminated colorful awareness pamphlets to child care centers and public places encouraging parents to work with their children from infancy and choose a quality learning program
• Awareness Posters: Hanging posters in child care centers and retail venues, encouraging parents to start early on preparing their children for school
• Developmental Milestone Posters: Created chart of developmental milestones to hang in pediatrician offices and public places, to make parents aware if their child is delayed and seek early intervention.
Public Awareness
• Advocacy Brochures: Disseminated colorful brochures to businesses and public venues, urging citizens to get involved with early childhood issues
• Speakers’ Bureau: Began public speaking program in which advocates make presentations about early childhood for companies, civic groups, faith communities and other gatherings.
Contact: Bruce Myers, Executive Directorinfo@smartbeginningsvp.org
(757) 240-2731
Smart Beginnings Virginia Peninsula
321 Main Street, Suite A
Newport News VA 23601