MHC Partners for Children

MHC Partners for Children MHC Partners for Children is a community coalition working with parents and caregivers.

The mission of Smart Beginnings Martinsville-Henry County (SBMHC) is to ensure that ALL children, birth to age 5, in Martinsville and Henry County will have caring, responsible adults who have access to resources to provide for their children's social, emotional, physical and academic development. Research shows that more that 85% of a child's brain network is wired in the first five years of life

. The greatest opportunity to be a self-sufficient individual is created within this small window of time. Smart Beginnings of Martinsville and Henry County is a community coalition working with parents and caregivers to provide them with the resources and knowledge needed to make the most of this small window of time so that ALL children are ready for success when they enter school.

06/04/2026

We are excited to highlight Ruth Anne Collins, our Childcare Quality Improvement Coordinator, who has been a valuable member of our team for 12 years.

When reflecting on her defining moments, Ruth Anne mentioned two significant events. First, she played a crucial role in fostering local participation in quality improvement systems within our community in 2015. Additionally, she celebrated the success of the first Early Childhood Conference in 2016.

Describing her role in just a few words, she chose "collaborative," "purposeful," and "encouraging." Ruth Anne truly embodies these qualities both in the office and at our childcare sites.

Outside of work, when Ruth Anne isn’t focused on helping sites succeed, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and reading a good book!

📬📚 Summer reading matters!Dolly Parton's Imagination Library makes it easy. Children from birth to age five can receive...
05/28/2026

📬📚 Summer reading matters!
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library makes it easy. Children from birth to age five can receive a free book every month, delivered right to their home. Make sure to enroll your child today and keep those summer stories flowing.



United Way of Henry County & Martinsville

05/12/2026

Thank you to United Way of Henry County & Martinsville for donating books for our clients!! We appreciate you! ❤️

05/04/2026

Meet our Staff! Each month we will be highlighting a team member. Make sure to check in to get to know everyone here at MHC Partners for Children.

For our first spotlight in the month of May we are excited to spotlight Melanie McLarty, our Director of Early Learning Strategies and a dedicated member of our team since 2013.

Melanie has helped strengthen early childhood education across our community. She shares that a defining moment in her work has been increasing the number of quality childcare programs in our area and building a team committed to preparing children and families for school success.

When asked to describe her role in a few words, Melanie chose: collaborative, committed, creative, and convener. Melanie definitely showcases these words in every aspect of helping our childcare sites thrive for our community.

Outside of work, Melanie enjoys thrifting with friends, taking short trips, and spending time at home with her cat, Miss Callie.

We are grateful for Melanie’s leadership and the heart she brings to our mission every day. Melanie is always seen with a smile and is swift to rise to action for our childcare community daily!

04/25/2026

Huge thank you to the amazing vendors who are here supporting early learning today! We’re grateful for each of you and the vital work you do for children, families, and educators in our community.

Shout-out to:
• beegins with you
• Child Care Aware of America
• Henry Martinsville Health Department
• Kaplan Early Learning Company
• Patrick & Henry Community College
• Piedmont Community Services Early Intervention
• Ready Region West

We’re so glad you’re here helping us grow together! 🌱✨

04/25/2026

Honored to welcome Kenneth Sherman, Director of Global Initiatives for the HighScope Educational Research Foundation, to the Growing Together for Early Learning Success conference today! 🌱✨

His passion for empowering educators and strengthening early learning around the world is truly inspiring. Grateful to have his insight, leadership, and energy here with us as we learn and grow together.

Let’s get started! 🎉

04/25/2026

Kicking off a great day at the Growing Together for Early Learning Success conference at New College Institute 🌱

So excited to be surrounded by passionate educators and community members, all showing up with one goal in mind—supporting our youngest learners and helping them thrive. There’s something really special about seeing everyone come together like this.

Here’s to learning, connecting, and growing… together 💚

Tomorrow is the big day. We can’t wait to welcome you to Growing Together for Early Learning Success, the HighScope con...
04/24/2026

Tomorrow is the big day. We can’t wait to welcome you to Growing Together for Early Learning Success, the HighScope conference at New College Institute. Get ready for a full day of engaging sessions, practical tools, and uplifting energy as we learn and grow together for early learning success.

For more information or to register contact Ruth Anne Collins at 276-403-5528 or at [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Czwg9KRjN/

Henry County Public Schools

The countdown continues. Growing Together for Early Learning Success is just a few days away. This HighScope conference ...
04/22/2026

The countdown continues. Growing Together for Early Learning Success is just a few days away. This HighScope conference brings hands‑on strategies, fresh ideas, and meaningful conversations to support young learners and the educators who guide them. Join us this Saturday at New College Institute in Martinsville.

For more information or to register contact Ruth Anne Collins at 276-403-5528 or at [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Czwg9KRjN/

Henry County Public Schools

We’re getting excited for Growing Together for Early Learning Success, the HighScope conference happening this Saturday ...
04/21/2026

We’re getting excited for Growing Together for Early Learning Success, the HighScope conference happening this Saturday at New College Institute. Take a look at the amazing sessions and presenters joining us. It’s going to be a day full of learning, inspiration, and connection for early childhood educators across our region.

For more information or to register contact Ruth Anne Collins at 276-403-5528 or at [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Czwg9KRjN/

Henry County Public Schools

Address

149 E Main Street
Martinsville, VA
24112

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12764035528

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when MHC Partners for Children posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to MHC Partners for Children:

Shortcuts

Share

Category