Creating Smart Beginnings for Children from Birth to 5

Regional Plan for Children’sSchool Readiness

Dear Greater Richmond and Petersburg Region:

In May 2010, we presented to you The Regional Plan for Children’s School Readiness: Creating Smart Beginnings for Children from Birth to 5. Public and private community partners who realized the impact that early childhood development has on the economic and civic vitality of our community created this unifying plan to make a measureable difference in our region. The Plan is based on nationally recognized “readiness” areas: Ready Families, Ready Early Care and Education, Ready Health, Ready Schools, and Ready Communities. These priority goal areas are our blueprint for success.

Today, we present to you a sample of community results from the 2010/2011 Plan year. Progress on the Plan is measured and tracked at four levels: 1) Process and Outputs; 2) Interim Outcomes; 3) Ultimate Outcome and; 4) Regional Indicators. The following pages report results for the first three levels. The regional indicators are updated and posted annually on the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg’s website in the Indicators of Community Strength report, located at www.yourunitedway.org. A more detailed 2010/2011 Results report can be found at www.readychildren.net.

We continue to see positive trends on a number of our community-level indicators despite the significant challenges facing human services. As a result of our coalition’s strong relationships, stakeholders in early childhood are working together as never before, realizing increased efficiencies, carrying a shared message to decision makers, and getting results. It is exciting to note that our region has grown to include 10 actively participating localities and broader partnerships with the Capital Region Collaborative and Bridging Richmond.

Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond looks forward to keeping this momentum going until every child, 0-5, in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg region is healthy, well-cared for, and ready to succeed in school and in life.

Thomas N. Chewning Chair, Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond Leadership Council

2010

-201

1 RE

SULT

SSMART BEGINNINGS GREATER RICHMOND LEADERSHIP COUNCILThe Plan is overseen by the Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond Leadership Council. This group of high-level private sector, public, and nonprofit leaders, staffed by the presidents of the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and the Greater Richmond Chamber, leads the region’s early childhood efforts and is accountable for the Plan. The Leadership Council monitors the Plan, leads public engagement and outreach efforts, reports to the public on the progress of the Plan, and votes on recommendations by the School Readiness Committee regarding strat-egy, policy and program direction.

MEMBERS INCLUDE:MR. THOMAS N. CHEWNING, CHAIRMAN SMART BEGINNINGS GREATER RICHMONDMS. HEIDI W. ABBOTT, HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLPMR. L. BRADFORD “BRAD” ARMSTRONG, THE MARTIN AGENCYMR. EDWARD T. BLAIR, WITT MARES, PLCMS. SHERRIE L. BRACH, UNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGMR. JAMES H. BURRELL, NEW KENT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSMS. KATHERINE E. BUSSER, CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORP.MR. THOMAS R. BYRD, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMS. JANA D. CARTER, CHESTERFIELD YOUTH PLANNING & DEVELOPMENTMR. STEPHAN F. CLEMENTI, VERIZONMR. MATTHEW W. COOPER, CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORP.MS. SUSANNE B. CRUMP, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMR. GEORGE T. DRUMWRIGHT, JR., HENRICO COUNTYDR. CAROLYN N. GRAHAM, CITY OF RICHMONDMS. SALLY G. GREEN, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF RICHMONDMR. MICHAEL HERRING, CITY OF RICHMOND OFFICE OF COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEYDR. ROBERT D. HOLSWORTH, DECIDE SMART LLCDR. PAMELA ROYAL JENKINS, ROYAL DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETIC SKIN CARE, INC.MS. GAIL W. JOHNSON, RAINBOW STATION, INC.MS. JILL M. KENNEDY, BON SECOURS MEMORIAL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERMR. JON C. KING, EXCLUSIVE STAFFING COMPANIESMR. PAUL D. KOONCE, DOMINIONDR. JACK O. LANIER, RICHMOND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AUTHORITYDR. JAMES L. NARDUZZI, UNIVERSITY OF RICHMONDDR. MARCUS J. NEWSOME, CHESTERFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLSDR. GARY L. RHODES, J. SARGEANT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGEMS. IVY T. SAGER, HANOVER COUNTYMR. KIM K. SCHEELER, GREATER RICHMOND CHAMBER MS. MARSHA S. SHULER, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMR. JAMES C. SNYDER, ODELL ASSOCIATES, INC.MR. BARRY M. TAYLOR, YMCA OF GREATER RICHMONDMR. JOSEPH B. WALTON, POWHATAN BOARD OF SUPERVISORSMS. STEPHANIE G. WHITE, MWV - MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION

SCHOOL READINESS COMMITTEEImplementation of the Plan is directed by a sub-committee of the Leadership Council called the School Readiness Committee. This committee includes director-level represen-tatives of the Leadership Council and regional nonprofit, public, and private organizations. The School Readiness Committee provides strategic direction for the Plan, coordi-nates implementation of the five goals through Action Teams, approves outcomes and timelines, monitors progress on a quarterly basis and reports to the Leadership Council.

REPRESENTATION FROM:CHESTERFIELD YOUTH PLANNING & DEVELOPMENTCHILDSAVERSCHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF RICHMONDCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVEHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTYPARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES NORTHSIDEPETERSBURG DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSTHE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SERVING RICHMOND & CENTRAL VIRGINIAUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVERIZONVIRGINIA BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTIONWINGSPAN

ACTION TEAMSFour Action Teams lead the implementation of goals and local planning efforts. Action Teams provide guidance and direction to partners to accomplish each goal, help identify resources and networks, and share progress and system needs with the School Readiness Committee and each other.

READY FAMILIES ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:ANTIOCH LEARNING CENTERCHESTERFIELD/COLONIAL HEIGHTS FAMILIES FIRSTCHICKAHOMINY HEALTH DISTRICT RESOURCE MOTHERSCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVECITY OF RICHMOND RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAMCOMMONWEALTH PARENTINGFAMILY LIFELINE: CHIP OF GREATER RICHMOND & HEALTHY FAMILIESGREATER RICHMOND SCANHANOVER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCESPARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES NORTHSIDEQUIN RIVERS HEALTHY FAMILIESRICHMOND HEALTHY STARTUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION-HENRICO COUNTY OFFICEVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LEAD SAFE VIRGINIA

READY HEALTH ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:2-1-1 VIRGINIABON SECOURS RICHMOND HEALTH SYSTEMUnited Way staff dedicated to Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond coordinate the work of

the committees, provide technical assistance to Action Teams, set and monitor performance measures, conduct research and analysis and build awareness and ownership of the Plan. Members of all the above committees are informed by Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond quarterly meetings — a neutral venue for including the grassroots perspective of early childhood-related programs and organizations. More than 335 members identify service needs and solutions; network and coordinate services; share information, resources and effective practices; and advocate for policy and funding opportunities. For more information, contact: Jacqueline D. Hale, Director of Community Mobilization at Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, 804-771-5873 or halej@yourunitedway.org.

Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, led by United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and the Greater Richmond Chamber, is a coalition of public and private organizations, businesses, and citizens working together to ensure that the region’s children enter school healthy, well-cared for, and ready to succeed in school and in life. To learn how you can help, visit www.readychildren.net

CAPITAL AREA HEALTH NETWORKCHESTERFIELD HEALTH DISTRICTCHESTERFIELD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICESCHILDSAVERSCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVEDISTRICT 19 COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARDGREATER RICHMOND SCANHENRICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTINFANT & TODDLER CONNECTION OF HENRICO COUNTYINFANT & TODDLER CONNECTION OF HANOVER COUNTYMEDICAL HOME PLUSRICHMOND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AUTHORITYRICHMOND CITY HEALTH DISTRICTUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVCU - PARTNERSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIESVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES

READY EARLY CARE & EDUCATION ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCHESTERFIELD DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESCHESTERFIELD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICESCHILDSAVERSCITY OF RICHMOND DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVECOMMUNITY IDEA STATIONSHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESJ. SARGEANT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGEJOHN TYLER COMMUNITY COLLEGEPETERSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLSRAINBOW STATIONRICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATIONRICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARYRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSRIVER ROAD PRESCHOOLST. JAMES CHILDREN’S CENTERUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVCU – TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTERVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESVIRGINIA INFANT & TODDLER SPECIALIST NETWORK VIRGINIA STAR QUALITY INITIATIVEWILLIAM BYRD COMMUNITY HOUSEWINGSPANYWCA OF RICHMOND

READY SCHOOLS ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:CHARLES CITY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCOLONIAL HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLSGOOCHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSNEW KENT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSPETERSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLSPOWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURG

Creating Smart Beginnings for Children from Birth to 5

Regional Plan for Children’sSchool Readiness

Dear Greater Richmond and Petersburg Region:

In May 2010, we presented to you The Regional Plan for Children’s School Readiness: Creating Smart Beginnings for Children from Birth to 5. Public and private community partners who realized the impact that early childhood development has on the economic and civic vitality of our community created this unifying plan to make a measureable difference in our region. The Plan is based on nationally recognized “readiness” areas: Ready Families, Ready Early Care and Education, Ready Health, Ready Schools, and Ready Communities. These priority goal areas are our blueprint for success.

Today, we present to you a sample of community results from the 2010/2011 Plan year. Progress on the Plan is measured and tracked at four levels: 1) Process and Outputs; 2) Interim Outcomes; 3) Ultimate Outcome and; 4) Regional Indicators. The following pages report results for the first three levels. The regional indicators are updated and posted annually on the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg’s website in the Indicators of Community Strength report, located at www.yourunitedway.org. A more detailed 2010/2011 Results report can be found at www.readychildren.net.

We continue to see positive trends on a number of our community-level indicators despite the significant challenges facing human services. As a result of our coalition’s strong relationships, stakeholders in early childhood are working together as never before, realizing increased efficiencies, carrying a shared message to decision makers, and getting results. It is exciting to note that our region has grown to include 10 actively participating localities and broader partnerships with the Capital Region Collaborative and Bridging Richmond.

Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond looks forward to keeping this momentum going until every child, 0-5, in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg region is healthy, well-cared for, and ready to succeed in school and in life.

Thomas N. Chewning Chair, Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond Leadership Council

2010

-201

1 RE

SULT

S

SMART BEGINNINGS GREATER RICHMOND LEADERSHIP COUNCILThe Plan is overseen by the Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond Leadership Council. This group of high-level private sector, public, and nonprofit leaders, staffed by the presidents of the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and the Greater Richmond Chamber, leads the region’s early childhood efforts and is accountable for the Plan. The Leadership Council monitors the Plan, leads public engagement and outreach efforts, reports to the public on the progress of the Plan, and votes on recommendations by the School Readiness Committee regarding strat-egy, policy and program direction.

MEMBERS INCLUDE:MR. THOMAS N. CHEWNING, CHAIRMAN SMART BEGINNINGS GREATER RICHMONDMS. HEIDI W. ABBOTT, HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLPMR. L. BRADFORD “BRAD” ARMSTRONG, THE MARTIN AGENCYMR. EDWARD T. BLAIR, WITT MARES, PLCMS. SHERRIE L. BRACH, UNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGMR. JAMES H. BURRELL, NEW KENT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSMS. KATHERINE E. BUSSER, CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORP.MR. THOMAS R. BYRD, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMS. JANA D. CARTER, CHESTERFIELD YOUTH PLANNING & DEVELOPMENTMR. STEPHAN F. CLEMENTI, VERIZONMR. MATTHEW W. COOPER, CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORP.MS. SUSANNE B. CRUMP, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMR. GEORGE T. DRUMWRIGHT, JR., HENRICO COUNTYDR. CAROLYN N. GRAHAM, CITY OF RICHMONDMS. SALLY G. GREEN, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF RICHMONDMR. MICHAEL HERRING, CITY OF RICHMOND OFFICE OF COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEYDR. ROBERT D. HOLSWORTH, DECIDE SMART LLCDR. PAMELA ROYAL JENKINS, ROYAL DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETIC SKIN CARE, INC.MS. GAIL W. JOHNSON, RAINBOW STATION, INC.MS. JILL M. KENNEDY, BON SECOURS MEMORIAL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERMR. JON C. KING, EXCLUSIVE STAFFING COMPANIESMR. PAUL D. KOONCE, DOMINIONDR. JACK O. LANIER, RICHMOND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AUTHORITYDR. JAMES L. NARDUZZI, UNIVERSITY OF RICHMONDDR. MARCUS J. NEWSOME, CHESTERFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLSDR. GARY L. RHODES, J. SARGEANT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGEMS. IVY T. SAGER, HANOVER COUNTYMR. KIM K. SCHEELER, GREATER RICHMOND CHAMBER MS. MARSHA S. SHULER, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMR. JAMES C. SNYDER, ODELL ASSOCIATES, INC.MR. BARRY M. TAYLOR, YMCA OF GREATER RICHMONDMR. JOSEPH B. WALTON, POWHATAN BOARD OF SUPERVISORSMS. STEPHANIE G. WHITE, MWV - MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION

SCHOOL READINESS COMMITTEEImplementation of the Plan is directed by a sub-committee of the Leadership Council called the School Readiness Committee. This committee includes director-level represen-tatives of the Leadership Council and regional nonprofit, public, and private organizations. The School Readiness Committee provides strategic direction for the Plan, coordi-nates implementation of the five goals through Action Teams, approves outcomes and timelines, monitors progress on a quarterly basis and reports to the Leadership Council.

REPRESENTATION FROM:CHESTERFIELD YOUTH PLANNING & DEVELOPMENTCHILDSAVERSCHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF RICHMONDCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVEHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTYPARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES NORTHSIDEPETERSBURG DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSTHE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SERVING RICHMOND & CENTRAL VIRGINIAUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVERIZONVIRGINIA BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTIONWINGSPAN

ACTION TEAMSFour Action Teams lead the implementation of goals and local planning efforts. Action Teams provide guidance and direction to partners to accomplish each goal, help identify resources and networks, and share progress and system needs with the School Readiness Committee and each other.

READY FAMILIES ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:ANTIOCH LEARNING CENTERCHESTERFIELD/COLONIAL HEIGHTS FAMILIES FIRSTCHICKAHOMINY HEALTH DISTRICT RESOURCE MOTHERSCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVECITY OF RICHMOND RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAMCOMMONWEALTH PARENTINGFAMILY LIFELINE: CHIP OF GREATER RICHMOND & HEALTHY FAMILIESGREATER RICHMOND SCANHANOVER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCESPARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES NORTHSIDEQUIN RIVERS HEALTHY FAMILIESRICHMOND HEALTHY STARTUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION-HENRICO COUNTY OFFICEVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LEAD SAFE VIRGINIA

READY HEALTH ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:2-1-1 VIRGINIABON SECOURS RICHMOND HEALTH SYSTEMUnited Way staff dedicated to Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond coordinate the work of

the committees, provide technical assistance to Action Teams, set and monitor performance measures, conduct research and analysis and build awareness and ownership of the Plan. Members of all the above committees are informed by Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond quarterly meetings — a neutral venue for including the grassroots perspective of early childhood-related programs and organizations. More than 335 members identify service needs and solutions; network and coordinate services; share information, resources and effective practices; and advocate for policy and funding opportunities. For more information, contact: Jacqueline D. Hale, Director of Community Mobilization at Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, 804-771-5873 or halej@yourunitedway.org.

Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, led by United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and the Greater Richmond Chamber, is a coalition of public and private organizations, businesses, and citizens working together to ensure that the region’s children enter school healthy, well-cared for, and ready to succeed in school and in life. To learn how you can help, visit www.readychildren.net

CAPITAL AREA HEALTH NETWORKCHESTERFIELD HEALTH DISTRICTCHESTERFIELD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICESCHILDSAVERSCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVEDISTRICT 19 COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARDGREATER RICHMOND SCANHENRICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTINFANT & TODDLER CONNECTION OF HENRICO COUNTYINFANT & TODDLER CONNECTION OF HANOVER COUNTYMEDICAL HOME PLUSRICHMOND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AUTHORITYRICHMOND CITY HEALTH DISTRICTUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVCU - PARTNERSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIESVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES

READY EARLY CARE & EDUCATION ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCHESTERFIELD DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESCHESTERFIELD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICESCHILDSAVERSCITY OF RICHMOND DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVECOMMUNITY IDEA STATIONSHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESJ. SARGEANT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGEJOHN TYLER COMMUNITY COLLEGEPETERSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLSRAINBOW STATIONRICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATIONRICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARYRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSRIVER ROAD PRESCHOOLST. JAMES CHILDREN’S CENTERUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVCU – TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTERVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESVIRGINIA INFANT & TODDLER SPECIALIST NETWORK VIRGINIA STAR QUALITY INITIATIVEWILLIAM BYRD COMMUNITY HOUSEWINGSPANYWCA OF RICHMOND

READY SCHOOLS ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:CHARLES CITY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCOLONIAL HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLSGOOCHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSNEW KENT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSPETERSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLSPOWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURG

Petersburg improved in their effort to

meet the benchmark, from nearly 80% in 2008

up to 84% in 2010.

Goal Ready Families ensure safe and stable environments, promote the health of their children, identify themselves as their children’s first teacher, and provide steady and supportive relationships.

Priority Strategies Provide evidence-based home visiting services to all eligible families. Develop a system of coordinated, accessible and effective parenting education services.

Results

• In 2010 the region had a net gain of 10 home visiting slots, for a total of 1,053 available slots.

• Served 118 more families than the previous year for a total of 1,632 families served.

• A Virginia Commonwealth University evaluation of Nurturing Parenting participants (a parent education program at the City of Richmond Early Childhood Development Initiative) found statistically significant increases in parenting knowledge at two- and four-month follow-ups.

100% of parents participating in

Nurturing Parenting improved at least

one parenting attitude or skill.

1

Goal Ready Health services are affordable and accessible, providing high-quality preventive and intervention care to meet the physical, dental, and behavioral health needs of all young children.

Priority Strategies Maximize the use of early prevention and intervention services. Promote positive social and emotional health for children, ages 0-6, and their parents.

Results

• Developed HUGS for Infants and Toddlers - a mental health consultation service operated by ChildSavers. This program provided mentoring to 24 child care staff and eight administrators and served 30 children with behavioral health needs so that the children could stay in a child care setting.

• Trained 81 child care providers in early childhood social and emotional development using the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning Pyramid model for supporting social emotional competence in infants and young children.

79 child care providers completed training in

how to use the Ages & Stages developmental

screening tool with children.

2

Goal Ready Early Care and Education services are affordable and accessible, providing high-quality learning environments for young children with unique developmental and special needs.

Priority Strategies Build a strong quality enhancement and professional development system to serve early care and education programs. Expand the Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI) for early care and education programs.

Results

• Of the 34 child care centers enrolled in VSQI, 21 have been rated, six will be rated soon, and seven are in the initial phase of gathering documentation.

• Two new mechanisms have been established for early childhood professional development – J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College matriculation agreements (transfer credit equivalency) and the Community Idea Stations “A Place of Our Own” (distance learning).

We are almost halfway to meeting our 2015

target of having 71 centers enrolled in the

Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI).

3

Goal Ready Schools provide a seamless transition to high-quality learning environments that are led by highly qualified teachers who recognize children’s strengths and are sensitive to cultural values and individual differences.

Priority Strategies Promote the enrollment of incoming kindergartners before the first day of school. Develop a regional definition of a child’s school readiness that can be used by families and professionals.

Results

• Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan and Richmond agreed on one common day for kindergarten registration.

• 85% of third graders passed the third grade Standard of Learning (SOL) English test.

April 7, 2011 was the first time in

history that 10 local school divisions

held kindergarten registration on the

same day.

4

Goal Ready Communities work effectively across all sectors to support families, recognize the importance of early childhood development, and act to support policies and investments to help children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

Priority Strategies Conduct regional/local social marketing campaigns focused on the importance of early childhood development. Foster community participation in early learning opportunities. Increase the diversity, support and sustainability of funding for effective programs to implement the School Readiness Plan. Strengthen and sustain regional and local coalitions to address early childhood system-wide issues and interagency collaborations.

Results

• Individual schools reported significant increases in kindergarten enrollment and noted that more parents were better prepared with enrollment documentation. Combined reach of kindergarten readiness message from the Smart Beginnings public awareness campaign activities exceeded 3 million impressions. Partners that played a key role in helping to deliver the message included: Anthem, Capital One, CareNet, Children’s Museum of Richmond, Community Idea Stations, Kings Dominion, Kroger Pharmacy and Verizon. Baseline enrollment data collected.

• Partnered with the Capital Region Collaborative to engage jurisdictions in school readiness planning specific to the needs and assets of each locality. Four local early childhood councils representing six localities received grants from Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond.

Proclamations of support for the Regional Plan for Children’s School

Readiness were passed by seven localities and

five school boards.

5

The measurement for Ready Children is the percent of incoming kindergartners identified as meeting the Fall PALS-K benchmark. PALS-K screening helps schools identify kindergarten students who need early literacy intervention because their fundamental literacy skills are below grade level. The region has closely matched the state trend of consistent improvement on this indicator. It is interesting to note that while Dinwiddie, Petersburg, and Richmond have the lowest percentage of kindergartners meeting this benchmark, Chesterfield and Henrico are home to the majority of kindergartners not meeting the benchmark, totaling 1,045 of the 1,756 children.

Ultimate Ready Children are prepared socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually to enter kindergarten ready to succeed. Ready Children live in nurturing families, have high-quality early care and health care services, are supported by an enriching and caring community and enter ready schools.

Outcome

2010 VSQI RATING BY LOCALITY

1I 2I 3I 4I 5I Total

Chesterfield 0 0 0 1 0 1

Hanover 0 0 1 1 0 2

Henrico 0 1 3 0 0 4

Richmond 0 4 4 1 0 9

Petersburg 0 4 1 0 0 5

Total 0 9 9 3 0 21

CHILDREN RECEIVING EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

2009 2013 2014 2015201220112010

$6M

$5M

$4M

$4,099,690 $4,101,343

$5,123,613

REGIONAL INVESTMENT IN HOME VISITING

ACTUAL

ESTIMATED

TARGET

4%

6%

8%

CHESTERFIELD COLONIAL HGTS, DINWIDDIE,

PETERSBURG

GOOCHLAND,POWHATAN

HANOVER HENRICO,CHARLES CITY,

NEW KENT

RICHMOND

2%STATETARGET

% OF 0-3 POPULATION ENROLLED

% OF 0-3 POPULATION IN NEED OF SERVICES BUT NOT ENROLLED (EST.)

2002 2006

80%

90%

70%

60%

CHARLES CITYCHESTERFIELD

COLONIAL HEIGHTSDINWIDDIE

GOOCHLANDHANOVER

HENRICONEW KENTPETERSBURGPOWHATANRICHMOND

2010

KINDERGARTNERS MEETING FALL PALS-K BENCHMARK (%)

PART C CENTRAL POINT OF ENTRY DISTRICT

THIRD GRADERS PASSING ENGLISH SOL (%)2002, 2006 & 2010

60%

80%

20%

40%

PETERSBURG

RICHMOND

CHARLES CITY

DINWID

DIE

GOOCHLAND

NEW KENT

POWHATAN

HENRICO

CHESTE

RFIELD

HANOVER

COLONIA

L

HEIGHTS

Petersburg improved in their effort to

meet the benchmark, from nearly 80% in 2008

up to 84% in 2010.

Goal Ready Families ensure safe and stable environments, promote the health of their children, identify themselves as their children’s first teacher, and provide steady and supportive relationships.

Priority Strategies Provide evidence-based home visiting services to all eligible families. Develop a system of coordinated, accessible and effective parenting education services.

Results

• In 2010 the region had a net gain of 10 home visiting slots, for a total of 1,053 available slots.

• Served 118 more families than the previous year for a total of 1,632 families served.

• A Virginia Commonwealth University evaluation of Nurturing Parenting participants (a parent education program at the City of Richmond Early Childhood Development Initiative) found statistically significant increases in parenting knowledge at two- and four-month follow-ups.

100% of parents participating in

Nurturing Parenting improved at least

one parenting attitude or skill.

1

Goal Ready Health services are affordable and accessible, providing high-quality preventive and intervention care to meet the physical, dental, and behavioral health needs of all young children.

Priority Strategies Maximize the use of early prevention and intervention services. Promote positive social and emotional health for children, ages 0-6, and their parents.

Results

• Developed HUGS for Infants and Toddlers - a mental health consultation service operated by ChildSavers. This program provided mentoring to 24 child care staff and eight administrators and served 30 children with behavioral health needs so that the children could stay in a child care setting.

• Trained 81 child care providers in early childhood social and emotional development using the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning Pyramid model for supporting social emotional competence in infants and young children.

79 child care providers completed training in

how to use the Ages & Stages developmental

screening tool with children.

2

Goal Ready Early Care and Education services are affordable and accessible, providing high-quality learning environments for young children with unique developmental and special needs.

Priority Strategies Build a strong quality enhancement and professional development system to serve early care and education programs. Expand the Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI) for early care and education programs.

Results

• Of the 34 child care centers enrolled in VSQI, 21 have been rated, six will be rated soon, and seven are in the initial phase of gathering documentation.

• Two new mechanisms have been established for early childhood professional development – J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College matriculation agreements (transfer credit equivalency) and the Community Idea Stations “A Place of Our Own” (distance learning).

We are almost halfway to meeting our 2015

target of having 71 centers enrolled in the

Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI).

3

Goal Ready Schools provide a seamless transition to high-quality learning environments that are led by highly qualified teachers who recognize children’s strengths and are sensitive to cultural values and individual differences.

Priority Strategies Promote the enrollment of incoming kindergartners before the first day of school. Develop a regional definition of a child’s school readiness that can be used by families and professionals.

Results

• Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan and Richmond agreed on one common day for kindergarten registration.

• 85% of third graders passed the third grade Standard of Learning (SOL) English test.

April 7, 2011 was the first time in

history that 10 local school divisions

held kindergarten registration on the

same day.

4

Goal Ready Communities work effectively across all sectors to support families, recognize the importance of early childhood development, and act to support policies and investments to help children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

Priority Strategies Conduct regional/local social marketing campaigns focused on the importance of early childhood development. Foster community participation in early learning opportunities. Increase the diversity, support and sustainability of funding for effective programs to implement the School Readiness Plan. Strengthen and sustain regional and local coalitions to address early childhood system-wide issues and interagency collaborations.

Results

• Individual schools reported significant increases in kindergarten enrollment and noted that more parents were better prepared with enrollment documentation. Combined reach of kindergarten readiness message from the Smart Beginnings public awareness campaign activities exceeded 3 million impressions. Partners that played a key role in helping to deliver the message included: Anthem, Capital One, CareNet, Children’s Museum of Richmond, Community Idea Stations, Kings Dominion, Kroger Pharmacy and Verizon. Baseline enrollment data collected.

• Partnered with the Capital Region Collaborative to engage jurisdictions in school readiness planning specific to the needs and assets of each locality. Four local early childhood councils representing six localities received grants from Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond.

Proclamations of support for the Regional Plan for Children’s School

Readiness were passed by seven localities and

five school boards.

5

The measurement for Ready Children is the percent of incoming kindergartners identified as meeting the Fall PALS-K benchmark. PALS-K screening helps schools identify kindergarten students who need early literacy intervention because their fundamental literacy skills are below grade level. The region has closely matched the state trend of consistent improvement on this indicator. It is interesting to note that while Dinwiddie, Petersburg, and Richmond have the lowest percentage of kindergartners meeting this benchmark, Chesterfield and Henrico are home to the majority of kindergartners not meeting the benchmark, totaling 1,045 of the 1,756 children.

Ultimate Ready Children are prepared socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually to enter kindergarten ready to succeed. Ready Children live in nurturing families, have high-quality early care and health care services, are supported by an enriching and caring community and enter ready schools.

Outcome

2010 VSQI RATING BY LOCALITY

1I 2I 3I 4I 5I Total

Chesterfield 0 0 0 1 0 1

Hanover 0 0 1 1 0 2

Henrico 0 1 3 0 0 4

Richmond 0 4 4 1 0 9

Petersburg 0 4 1 0 0 5

Total 0 9 9 3 0 21

CHILDREN RECEIVING EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

2009 2013 2014 2015201220112010

$6M

$5M

$4M

$4,099,690 $4,101,343

$5,123,613

REGIONAL INVESTMENT IN HOME VISITING

ACTUAL

ESTIMATED

TARGET

4%

6%

8%

CHESTERFIELD COLONIAL HGTS, DINWIDDIE,

PETERSBURG

GOOCHLAND,POWHATAN

HANOVER HENRICO,CHARLES CITY,

NEW KENT

RICHMOND

2%STATETARGET

% OF 0-3 POPULATION ENROLLED

% OF 0-3 POPULATION IN NEED OF SERVICES BUT NOT ENROLLED (EST.)

2002 2006

80%

90%

70%

60%

CHARLES CITYCHESTERFIELD

COLONIAL HEIGHTSDINWIDDIE

GOOCHLANDHANOVER

HENRICONEW KENTPETERSBURGPOWHATANRICHMOND

2010

KINDERGARTNERS MEETING FALL PALS-K BENCHMARK (%)

PART C CENTRAL POINT OF ENTRY DISTRICT

THIRD GRADERS PASSING ENGLISH SOL (%)2002, 2006 & 2010

60%

80%

20%

40%

PETERSBURG

RICHMOND

CHARLES CITY

DINWID

DIE

GOOCHLAND

NEW KENT

POWHATAN

HENRICO

CHESTE

RFIELD

HANOVER

COLONIA

L

HEIGHTS

Petersburg improved in their effort to

meet the benchmark, from nearly 80% in 2008

up to 84% in 2010.

Goal Ready Families ensure safe and stable environments, promote the health of their children, identify themselves as their children’s first teacher, and provide steady and supportive relationships.

Priority Strategies Provide evidence-based home visiting services to all eligible families. Develop a system of coordinated, accessible and effective parenting education services.

Results

• In 2010 the region had a net gain of 10 home visiting slots, for a total of 1,053 available slots.

• Served 118 more families than the previous year for a total of 1,632 families served.

• A Virginia Commonwealth University evaluation of Nurturing Parenting participants (a parent education program at the City of Richmond Early Childhood Development Initiative) found statistically significant increases in parenting knowledge at two- and four-month follow-ups.

100% of parents participating in

Nurturing Parenting improved at least

one parenting attitude or skill.

1

Goal Ready Health services are affordable and accessible, providing high-quality preventive and intervention care to meet the physical, dental, and behavioral health needs of all young children.

Priority Strategies Maximize the use of early prevention and intervention services. Promote positive social and emotional health for children, ages 0-6, and their parents.

Results

• Developed HUGS for Infants and Toddlers - a mental health consultation service operated by ChildSavers. This program provided mentoring to 24 child care staff and eight administrators and served 30 children with behavioral health needs so that the children could stay in a child care setting.

• Trained 81 child care providers in early childhood social and emotional development using the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning Pyramid model for supporting social emotional competence in infants and young children.

79 child care providers completed training in

how to use the Ages & Stages developmental

screening tool with children.

2

Goal Ready Early Care and Education services are affordable and accessible, providing high-quality learning environments for young children with unique developmental and special needs.

Priority Strategies Build a strong quality enhancement and professional development system to serve early care and education programs. Expand the Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI) for early care and education programs.

Results

• Of the 34 child care centers enrolled in VSQI, 21 have been rated, six will be rated soon, and seven are in the initial phase of gathering documentation.

• Two new mechanisms have been established for early childhood professional development – J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College matriculation agreements (transfer credit equivalency) and the Community Idea Stations “A Place of Our Own” (distance learning).

We are almost halfway to meeting our 2015

target of having 71 centers enrolled in the

Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI).

3

Goal Ready Schools provide a seamless transition to high-quality learning environments that are led by highly qualified teachers who recognize children’s strengths and are sensitive to cultural values and individual differences.

Priority Strategies Promote the enrollment of incoming kindergartners before the first day of school. Develop a regional definition of a child’s school readiness that can be used by families and professionals.

Results

• Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan and Richmond agreed on one common day for kindergarten registration.

• 85% of third graders passed the third grade Standard of Learning (SOL) English test.

April 7, 2011 was the first time in

history that 10 local school divisions

held kindergarten registration on the

same day.

4

Goal Ready Communities work effectively across all sectors to support families, recognize the importance of early childhood development, and act to support policies and investments to help children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

Priority Strategies Conduct regional/local social marketing campaigns focused on the importance of early childhood development. Foster community participation in early learning opportunities. Increase the diversity, support and sustainability of funding for effective programs to implement the School Readiness Plan. Strengthen and sustain regional and local coalitions to address early childhood system-wide issues and interagency collaborations.

Results

• Individual schools reported significant increases in kindergarten enrollment and noted that more parents were better prepared with enrollment documentation. Combined reach of kindergarten readiness message from the Smart Beginnings public awareness campaign activities exceeded 3 million impressions. Partners that played a key role in helping to deliver the message included: Anthem, Capital One, CareNet, Children’s Museum of Richmond, Community Idea Stations, Kings Dominion, Kroger Pharmacy and Verizon. Baseline enrollment data collected.

• Partnered with the Capital Region Collaborative to engage jurisdictions in school readiness planning specific to the needs and assets of each locality. Four local early childhood councils representing six localities received grants from Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond.

Proclamations of support for the Regional Plan for Children’s School

Readiness were passed by seven localities and

five school boards.

5

The measurement for Ready Children is the percent of incoming kindergartners identified as meeting the Fall PALS-K benchmark. PALS-K screening helps schools identify kindergarten students who need early literacy intervention because their fundamental literacy skills are below grade level. The region has closely matched the state trend of consistent improvement on this indicator. It is interesting to note that while Dinwiddie, Petersburg, and Richmond have the lowest percentage of kindergartners meeting this benchmark, Chesterfield and Henrico are home to the majority of kindergartners not meeting the benchmark, totaling 1,045 of the 1,756 children.

Ultimate Ready Children are prepared socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually to enter kindergarten ready to succeed. Ready Children live in nurturing families, have high-quality early care and health care services, are supported by an enriching and caring community and enter ready schools.

Outcome

2010 VSQI RATING BY LOCALITY

1I 2I 3I 4I 5I Total

Chesterfield 0 0 0 1 0 1

Hanover 0 0 1 1 0 2

Henrico 0 1 3 0 0 4

Richmond 0 4 4 1 0 9

Petersburg 0 4 1 0 0 5

Total 0 9 9 3 0 21

CHILDREN RECEIVING EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

2009 2013 2014 2015201220112010

$6M

$5M

$4M

$4,099,690 $4,101,343

$5,123,613

REGIONAL INVESTMENT IN HOME VISITING

ACTUAL

ESTIMATED

TARGET

4%

6%

8%

CHESTERFIELD COLONIAL HGTS, DINWIDDIE,

PETERSBURG

GOOCHLAND,POWHATAN

HANOVER HENRICO,CHARLES CITY,

NEW KENT

RICHMOND

2%STATETARGET

% OF 0-3 POPULATION ENROLLED

% OF 0-3 POPULATION IN NEED OF SERVICES BUT NOT ENROLLED (EST.)

2002 2006

80%

90%

70%

60%

CHARLES CITYCHESTERFIELD

COLONIAL HEIGHTSDINWIDDIE

GOOCHLANDHANOVER

HENRICONEW KENTPETERSBURGPOWHATANRICHMOND

2010

KINDERGARTNERS MEETING FALL PALS-K BENCHMARK (%)

PART C CENTRAL POINT OF ENTRY DISTRICT

THIRD GRADERS PASSING ENGLISH SOL (%)2002, 2006 & 2010

60%

80%

20%

40%

PETERSBURG

RICHMOND

CHARLES CITY

DINWID

DIE

GOOCHLAND

NEW KENT

POWHATAN

HENRICO

CHESTE

RFIELD

HANOVER

COLONIA

L

HEIGHTS

Creating Smart Beginnings for Children from Birth to 5

Regional Plan for Children’sSchool Readiness

Dear Greater Richmond and Petersburg Region:

In May 2010, we presented to you The Regional Plan for Children’s School Readiness: Creating Smart Beginnings for Children from Birth to 5. Public and private community partners who realized the impact that early childhood development has on the economic and civic vitality of our community created this unifying plan to make a measureable difference in our region. The Plan is based on nationally recognized “readiness” areas: Ready Families, Ready Early Care and Education, Ready Health, Ready Schools, and Ready Communities. These priority goal areas are our blueprint for success.

Today, we present to you a sample of community results from the 2010/2011 Plan year. Progress on the Plan is measured and tracked at four levels: 1) Process and Outputs; 2) Interim Outcomes; 3) Ultimate Outcome and; 4) Regional Indicators. The following pages report results for the first three levels. The regional indicators are updated and posted annually on the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg’s website in the Indicators of Community Strength report, located at www.yourunitedway.org. A more detailed 2010/2011 Results report can be found at www.readychildren.net.

We continue to see positive trends on a number of our community-level indicators despite the significant challenges facing human services. As a result of our coalition’s strong relationships, stakeholders in early childhood are working together as never before, realizing increased efficiencies, carrying a shared message to decision makers, and getting results. It is exciting to note that our region has grown to include 10 actively participating localities and broader partnerships with the Capital Region Collaborative and Bridging Richmond.

Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond looks forward to keeping this momentum going until every child, 0-5, in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg region is healthy, well-cared for, and ready to succeed in school and in life.

Thomas N. Chewning Chair, Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond Leadership Council

2010

-201

1 RE

SULT

S

SMART BEGINNINGS GREATER RICHMOND LEADERSHIP COUNCILThe Plan is overseen by the Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond Leadership Council. This group of high-level private sector, public, and nonprofit leaders, staffed by the presidents of the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and the Greater Richmond Chamber, leads the region’s early childhood efforts and is accountable for the Plan. The Leadership Council monitors the Plan, leads public engagement and outreach efforts, reports to the public on the progress of the Plan, and votes on recommendations by the School Readiness Committee regarding strat-egy, policy and program direction.

MEMBERS INCLUDE:MR. THOMAS N. CHEWNING, CHAIRMAN SMART BEGINNINGS GREATER RICHMONDMS. HEIDI W. ABBOTT, HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLPMR. L. BRADFORD “BRAD” ARMSTRONG, THE MARTIN AGENCYMR. EDWARD T. BLAIR, WITT MARES, PLCMS. SHERRIE L. BRACH, UNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGMR. JAMES H. BURRELL, NEW KENT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSMS. KATHERINE E. BUSSER, CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORP.MR. THOMAS R. BYRD, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMS. JANA D. CARTER, CHESTERFIELD YOUTH PLANNING & DEVELOPMENTMR. STEPHAN F. CLEMENTI, VERIZONMR. MATTHEW W. COOPER, CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORP.MS. SUSANNE B. CRUMP, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMR. GEORGE T. DRUMWRIGHT, JR., HENRICO COUNTYDR. CAROLYN N. GRAHAM, CITY OF RICHMONDMS. SALLY G. GREEN, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF RICHMONDMR. MICHAEL HERRING, CITY OF RICHMOND OFFICE OF COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEYDR. ROBERT D. HOLSWORTH, DECIDE SMART LLCDR. PAMELA ROYAL JENKINS, ROYAL DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETIC SKIN CARE, INC.MS. GAIL W. JOHNSON, RAINBOW STATION, INC.MS. JILL M. KENNEDY, BON SECOURS MEMORIAL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERMR. JON C. KING, EXCLUSIVE STAFFING COMPANIESMR. PAUL D. KOONCE, DOMINIONDR. JACK O. LANIER, RICHMOND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AUTHORITYDR. JAMES L. NARDUZZI, UNIVERSITY OF RICHMONDDR. MARCUS J. NEWSOME, CHESTERFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLSDR. GARY L. RHODES, J. SARGEANT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGEMS. IVY T. SAGER, HANOVER COUNTYMR. KIM K. SCHEELER, GREATER RICHMOND CHAMBER MS. MARSHA S. SHULER, RETIRED EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERMR. JAMES C. SNYDER, ODELL ASSOCIATES, INC.MR. BARRY M. TAYLOR, YMCA OF GREATER RICHMONDMR. JOSEPH B. WALTON, POWHATAN BOARD OF SUPERVISORSMS. STEPHANIE G. WHITE, MWV - MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION

SCHOOL READINESS COMMITTEEImplementation of the Plan is directed by a sub-committee of the Leadership Council called the School Readiness Committee. This committee includes director-level represen-tatives of the Leadership Council and regional nonprofit, public, and private organizations. The School Readiness Committee provides strategic direction for the Plan, coordi-nates implementation of the five goals through Action Teams, approves outcomes and timelines, monitors progress on a quarterly basis and reports to the Leadership Council.

REPRESENTATION FROM:CHESTERFIELD YOUTH PLANNING & DEVELOPMENTCHILDSAVERSCHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF RICHMONDCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVEHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTYPARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES NORTHSIDEPETERSBURG DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSTHE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SERVING RICHMOND & CENTRAL VIRGINIAUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVERIZONVIRGINIA BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTIONWINGSPAN

ACTION TEAMSFour Action Teams lead the implementation of goals and local planning efforts. Action Teams provide guidance and direction to partners to accomplish each goal, help identify resources and networks, and share progress and system needs with the School Readiness Committee and each other.

READY FAMILIES ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:ANTIOCH LEARNING CENTERCHESTERFIELD/COLONIAL HEIGHTS FAMILIES FIRSTCHICKAHOMINY HEALTH DISTRICT RESOURCE MOTHERSCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVECITY OF RICHMOND RESOURCE MOTHERS PROGRAMCOMMONWEALTH PARENTINGFAMILY LIFELINE: CHIP OF GREATER RICHMOND & HEALTHY FAMILIESGREATER RICHMOND SCANHANOVER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCESPARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIES NORTHSIDEQUIN RIVERS HEALTHY FAMILIESRICHMOND HEALTHY STARTUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION-HENRICO COUNTY OFFICEVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LEAD SAFE VIRGINIA

READY HEALTH ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:2-1-1 VIRGINIABON SECOURS RICHMOND HEALTH SYSTEMUnited Way staff dedicated to Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond coordinate the work of

the committees, provide technical assistance to Action Teams, set and monitor performance measures, conduct research and analysis and build awareness and ownership of the Plan. Members of all the above committees are informed by Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond quarterly meetings — a neutral venue for including the grassroots perspective of early childhood-related programs and organizations. More than 335 members identify service needs and solutions; network and coordinate services; share information, resources and effective practices; and advocate for policy and funding opportunities. For more information, contact: Jacqueline D. Hale, Director of Community Mobilization at Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, 804-771-5873 or halej@yourunitedway.org.

Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, led by United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg and the Greater Richmond Chamber, is a coalition of public and private organizations, businesses, and citizens working together to ensure that the region’s children enter school healthy, well-cared for, and ready to succeed in school and in life. To learn how you can help, visit www.readychildren.net

CAPITAL AREA HEALTH NETWORKCHESTERFIELD HEALTH DISTRICTCHESTERFIELD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICESCHILDSAVERSCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVEDISTRICT 19 COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARDGREATER RICHMOND SCANHENRICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTINFANT & TODDLER CONNECTION OF HENRICO COUNTYINFANT & TODDLER CONNECTION OF HANOVER COUNTYMEDICAL HOME PLUSRICHMOND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AUTHORITYRICHMOND CITY HEALTH DISTRICTUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVCU - PARTNERSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIESVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES

READY EARLY CARE & EDUCATION ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCHESTERFIELD DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESCHESTERFIELD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICESCHILDSAVERSCITY OF RICHMOND DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESCITY OF RICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVECOMMUNITY IDEA STATIONSHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESJ. SARGEANT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGEJOHN TYLER COMMUNITY COLLEGEPETERSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLSRAINBOW STATIONRICHMOND EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATIONRICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARYRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSRIVER ROAD PRESCHOOLST. JAMES CHILDREN’S CENTERUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURGVCU – TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTERVIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICESVIRGINIA INFANT & TODDLER SPECIALIST NETWORK VIRGINIA STAR QUALITY INITIATIVEWILLIAM BYRD COMMUNITY HOUSEWINGSPANYWCA OF RICHMOND

READY SCHOOLS ACTION TEAMREPRESENTATION FROM:CHARLES CITY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSCOLONIAL HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOLSGOOCHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSHENRICO COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSNEW KENT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSPETERSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLSPOWHATAN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSRICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLSUNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND & PETERSBURG