Virginia Preschool Initiative

What is the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)?

The Virginia Preschool Initiative distributes state funds to schools and community-based organizations to provide quality preschool programs for at-risk four-year-olds unserved by the federal Head Start program.

The purpose of the grant is to reduce disparities among young children upon formal school entry and to reduce or eliminate those risk factors that lead to early academic failure.

To obtain state funding, localities must develop a written local plan for programs that includes:

• Provision for a quality preschool education;
• Health services;
• Family engagement;
• Facilitation of comprehensive services including health, mental health and nutrition; and
• A plan for transportation.

Quality Measurement and Improvement

All VPI programs participate in Virginia's Quality Birth to Five System (VQB5), which measures and supports quality teaching and learning in early childhood classrooms. Families can view VQB5 Quality Profiles that show how well programs support children's development through quality teaching practices and curriculum use. These profiles help families understand the quality of care and education their children receive.

For VPI Program Coordinators and Administrators

Program Requirements & Guidelines

• FY25 Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Guidelines (PDF) – To obtain state funding, localities must develop a written local plan for programs that includes: 1. Provision for a quality preschool education; 2. Health services; 3. Family engagement; 4. Facilitation of comprehensive services; and 5. A plan for transportation.
• FY25 Guidelines For Determining Student Eligibility for The State-Funded Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) and Best Practices for Implementing a Local Eligibility Process (PDF)
• Advancing Effective Interactions and Instruction (AEII) Initiative  This initiative helps school leaders use data to make informed decisions about the needs of each VPI classroom.
• Guidelines for the Prevention of Suspension and Expulsion of Young Children 
• New VPI Coordinator Training Webinar 2024-2025
  • Presentation (PDF)
  • Video Recording
• FAQ - VPI Funding for ECSE Classrooms (PDF)

Application Process and Funding

• FY25 (2024-2025 School Year) VPI Slots Initial Allocation by Division
• FY25 (2024-2025 School Year) Redistributed VPI Slots by Division (Excel)
• Virginia Preschool Initiative State Funding Based on Student Enrollment - Fall Student Record Collection (Excel)
• Guidance for PK Funding and PK Experience Codes (Word)

Transportation

• School Bus Transportation of Pre-School-Aged Children from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration