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Early Years
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Foster mom cares for six children, focuses on underserved teens
Updated: May 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Roanoke Valley mom cares for six foster children, focuses on underserved teens.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Experts explain warning signs of child-on-child sexual abuse and how parents can respond
Updated: May 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Experts explain when childhood curiosity becomes problematic sexual behavior.
Here @ Home
EARLY YEARS: VIA Centers to launch early autism intervention program in Roanoke
Updated: Apr. 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Nonprofit expanding early intervention program to Southwest Virginia amid rising diagnosis rates.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Deeply-feeling kids: How to help children who get overwhelmed emotionally
Updated: Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Roanoke counselor offers guidance for parents of emotionally sensitive children.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Virginia Western using VR technology to let students explore career paths
Updated: Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
A grant is helping Virginia Western expand work-based learning through immersive VR career simulations.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Liberty University digital rest—Students reflect on 28-day phone break
Updated: Mar. 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Liberty University students reflect on going 28 days without their smartphones.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Gift of Adoption grant helped Virginia family overcome adoption cost barrier
Updated: Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
A national nonprofit is offering financial assistance to U.S. families pursuing adoption. Find out if you qualify.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: From boredom to bonding, families can make the most of these snow days together
Updated: Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Macaroni Kid publisher Shelby Phelan encourages families to see the time snowed in together as an opportunity to learn and grow as a family.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Hometown father describes healing from the loss of a child, through writing
Updated: Jan. 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Even though the novel is about a fictional couple, Rick Kiser says the emotions in it are real
Here @ Home
EARLY YEARS: Llama Rama House holds charity gaming stream for children in the hospital
Updated: Dec. 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Gaming has provided community and healing for local veteran Steven Conner.
Local Radar
Community
EARLY YEARS: YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge offering childcare options during the holidays and beyond
Updated: Dec. 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
With snow days and holidays coming up, the YMCA is helping families with their childcare needs.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: National Thank-You Letter Day
Updated: Nov. 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Carew Papritz encourages families, classrooms, and communities to write and share letters of appreciation.
Early Years
Here @ Home has tips for dealing with negative behaviors in early childhood and beyond
Updated: Nov. 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM EST
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By
Natalie Faunce
There are different strategies that can be used by a parent to help diffuse an emotionally charged moment.
Early Years
Roanoke ADHD counselor offers fitness training to help patients navigate the challenges of the disorder
Updated: Oct. 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Counselor Gabriel Villarreal is now working to educate people about how ADHD affects boys and girls.
Health
“Life is a puzzle, solve it drug-free” is this year’s Red Ribbon Week theme
Updated: Oct. 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
RAYSAC encourages and supports all Roanoke Valley schools to get involved with Red Ribbon week.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: “Saving Slapshots: Gunnar’s Journey to Victory”
Updated: Sep. 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
"It felt really good, knowing that we overcame the odds, and not many teams believed in us."
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Help your kid power through the school day with a nutritious lunch
Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 2:40 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
It's important to keep your students well-fed throughout the day to keep their bodies and brains energized
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: “Hidden in Plain Sight”
Updated: Aug. 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
The interactive program will help parents know where teenagers are hiding clues to indicate risky behaviors.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Get your teenage son to talk about important topics
Updated: Aug. 14, 2025 at 1:11 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
From sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, to chatting while moving, it's all about the approach to conversations.
Here @ Home
YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge encourages kids and families to exercise more
Updated: Aug. 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
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By
Natalie Faunce
and
Kimberly McBroom
A look at the numerous programs available for kids and teens - and of course, adults!
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Virginia teen with rare disease launches nonprofit to encourage youth to advocate for their heath
Updated: Jul. 29, 2025 at 10:43 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Rising high school senior Khartik Uppalapati says he felt alienated when he was diagnosed with a rare lymphatic disorder.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: House of J Boxing Club offers lessons inside and outside the ring
Updated: Jul. 25, 2025 at 1:44 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
The club encourages and inspires children and adults through the sport of boxing.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: “Talent in the Star” to light up the Jefferson Center stage next month
Updated: Jul. 22, 2025 at 11:02 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
The youth talent showcase is happening Friday, August 1.
Early Years
YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge gearing up for school year
Updated: Jul. 17, 2025 at 1:27 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Y After School blends homework help, active play, and character-building activities in a safe environment
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: New Yoga Studio in Roanoke aims to bring children and caregivers closer together
Updated: Jul. 14, 2025 at 11:06 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
New studio is dedicated to fostering connection, joy, and mindfulness through yoga with children.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Patrick Henry HS grad says West End Center helped shape her life
Updated: Jul. 9, 2025 at 1:12 PM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Veronica Nibitanga went from participant to employee at the West End Center
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: New survey shows summer is most expensive season for families
Updated: Jun. 25, 2025 at 8:29 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Over 1 in 3 parents say summer is the most expensive season
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: 14th annual Four on the 4th Race benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia
Updated: Jun. 18, 2025 at 8:23 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
This event typically attracts around 500 participants
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: New graduates turning to social media instead of traditional advisors for financial guidance
Updated: Jun. 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Experian expert Rod Griffin recommends young people start out with a credit card that has a low limit
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Safeguarding your child’s digital interactions during summer break
Updated: Jun. 4, 2025 at 5:55 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Online predators gather clues from a child's casual posts, picking up on personal details like school names and favorite hangouts
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Addiction prevention experts are sounding the alarm about new findings when it comes to vapes
Updated: May 30, 2025 at 11:14 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
This VCU study from the 2023-2024 school year includes findings from hundreds of confiscated vapes
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Total Action for Progress and This Valley Works to host teen summit
Updated: May 21, 2025 at 7:15 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
NO CAP Summit, or No 2 Causing Any Problems Zone
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Kirk Family YMCA preparing for busy summer camp
Updated: May 21, 2025 at 6:00 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
From swimming lessons to dance classes, the YMCA camp has new add-on offerings this summer
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Showing Teacher Appreciation
Updated: May 14, 2025 at 5:49 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
According a survey on study.com, teachers prefer handwritten notes to homemade goods
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Indoor play studio in Daleville offers special spot for parents and children to connect
Updated: May 7, 2025 at 5:47 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
"Mainly, we offer one hour of open play sessions. So, it's kind of a purposeful play environment, low stimulating."
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Digital media expert offers common sense strategies when it comes to kids and the online world
Updated: Apr. 30, 2025 at 5:57 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Erin Walsh says instead counting minutes of screen time, parents should protect sleep, play and outdoor time
Health
EARLY YEARS: ESPN broadcaster and former WDBJ7 staffer Lauren Sisler to speak to students
Updated: Apr. 21, 2025 at 6:41 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
The "Shatterproof" author will speak to high school students in our hometowns about the dangers of opioid addiction.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Treble Makers Music celebrating its new home at 5 Points Music Sanctuary
Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 5:59 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Learning to play a musical instrument is a gift that lasts a lifetime
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Updated: Apr. 16, 2025 at 5:59 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Pinwheels are visual reminders to help keep all children safe
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Persistence pays off while sleep training a “livewire” child
Updated: Apr. 9, 2025 at 5:06 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Sleep coach says parents should watch for signs like over tiredness
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Cooking in the kitchen with toddlers, and teaching important life skills
Updated: Apr. 2, 2025 at 7:55 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Giving your kids experience in the kitchen can help prevent picky eating.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Families can sign up for Roanoke County Parks and Rec spring break and summer camps
Updated: Mar. 19, 2025 at 5:58 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Roanoke County also offers enrichment classes and athletic camps
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Community Builders building brighter future for Roanoke City 8th graders
Updated: Mar. 12, 2025 at 5:59 AM EDT
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By
Kimberly McBroom
If you have a current or rising 8th grader in Roanoke City Public Schools, they can take part in the Community Builders after-school club
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Families can save big money while sprucing up their kids' wardrobes
Updated: Mar. 5, 2025 at 5:41 AM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
LFA Kids Sale runs March 6th through March 9th
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: CarePortal marks 5th anniversary of helping Roanoke Valley families
Updated: Feb. 26, 2025 at 6:07 AM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
CarePortal says it's served 4,000 children in the Roanoke area so far
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Mom and nutrition expert creates Kizingo Kids website to encourage healthy eating
Updated: Feb. 19, 2025 at 6:02 AM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Mom and nutrition expert recommends persistence and patience when dealing with a picky eater.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Updated: Feb. 12, 2025 at 5:25 AM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Youth who experience sexual violence as children or teens are more likely to experience sexual violence in adulthood
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Program encourages teens to find their voices and become positive role models
Updated: Feb. 5, 2025 at 5:38 AM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
TOP is based in group settings, designed to empower teens in our area.
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: Expanding Project Sticker Shock to prevent underage vaping
Updated: Jan. 29, 2025 at 5:58 AM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
Trying to keep minors from vaping is an ongoing battle for law enforcement, schools and agencies like PCW
Early Years
EARLY YEARS: National School Choice Week begins January 26
Updated: Jan. 22, 2025 at 5:28 AM EST
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By
Kimberly McBroom
The nationwide celebration features more than 27,000 events aimed at highlighting the importance of educational options
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