Building Trust and a Shared Vision in Virginia
Virginia’s early childhood statewide system, Smart Beginnings, was created in 2005. Host Karen Ponder speaks to Kathy Glazer, president of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, and Abby Hamilton, president and CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley, about this locally-driven enterprise creating community commitment to school readiness.
El sistema estatal para la primera infancia de Virginia, Inicios Inteligentes, se creó en 2005. La anfitriona Karen Ponder habla con Kathy Glazer, presidenta de Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, y Abby Hamilton, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de United Way de Roanoke Valley, sobre esta iniciativa impulsada localmente para crear un compromiso comunitario con la preparación escolar.
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Where We Stand on Head Start
Blog August 18, 2026
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.
Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research August 18, 2026
Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution.
Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness
Blog July 27, 2026
At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.