Smart Beginnings DP Receives New Funding
January 31, 2021

Smart Beginnings Danville Pittsylvania (SBDP), a regional school readiness coalition, will receive a $7,000 grant from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) to develop a customized “data capacity action plan” and expand its school readiness data dashboard. “These grants are designed to improve data capacity systems and analytics that will be used to make data-informed decisions impacting school readiness at the community level,” explains Kathy Glazer, president of VECF.

“We are excited to work with our partners to expand the types of data we collect to measure the availability and usage rates for services that strengthen families with young children,” add Ann Vandervliet Stratton, executive director, SBDP. “Examples of the type data we hope to explore includes the number of slots funded, needed and used for important services related to early education and health,” she adds.

“We are grateful to have VECF’s support. We must increase collaboration to address and reduce childhood poverty and other determinants of child wellbeing. When we use data, we move the conversation into focused action,” Jessie Barksdale, chairman of the Board of Directors, SBDP.

As part of the grant, SBDP will receive technical assistant from expert consultants throughout the planning and customization process.

The mission of Smart Beginnings DP is to strengthen the system of individuals and organizations serving children ages birth to eight. Its goal is to ensure that children ages birth to age 8 are emotionally, physically and intellectually ready for success in school.