Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) - VPI is a program that distributes state funds to schools and community-based organizations to provide high-quality preschool programs for at-risk four-year-olds not served by Head Start. The purpose of the program is to reduce differences among children entering kindergarten as well as reduce or eliminate the risk factors leading to academic failure.
Head Start and Early Head Start - Head Start and Early Head Start are federal programs that promote school readiness for children birth to age five. Head Start is a child-centered, family focused, comprehensive and community-based program providing high quality services to promote academic, physical, social and emotional development for income-eligible children and their families. Local Head Start programs are funded directly by the federal Office of Head Start. For more information, visit the Virginia Head Start Association.
Mixed Delivery - The state budget provided funding in 2020 and 2021 to support public-private delivery of pre-Kindergarten services for at least 500 three and four-year-old children. This grant program promotes flexibility and innovative thinking in early learning and represent the opportunity to promote more public-private partnerships and increased collaboration between business, education, and community leaders. While funds for the program were eliminated by the COVID-related budget cuts, the program remains vital for future growth and access to early learning opportunities.