A major priority for early learning in Virginia is school readiness, which is a method of teaching that prepares children for kindergarten. Virginia's classroom practices include a high-quality curricula and assessments, intentional teacher-child interactions and individual professional development as well as continuous family engagement. Virginia’s Definition of School Readiness (PDF) describes the capabilities of children, families, schools and communities that promote student success in kindergarten and beyond. Each component – children, families, schools and communities – plays an essential role in developing school readiness.
- Ready Children are prepared socially, physically and intellectually to meet literacy, mathematics, science, history/social science and developmental standards for four-year-olds.
- Ready Families include parents and other adults who take responsibility for school readiness through direct, frequent and positive involvement with their children and by maintaining stable relationships and environments that promote healthy development and learning.
- Ready Schools provide a seamless transition to a learning environment led by skilled teachers and welcome all children with opportunities to enhance and build their skills, knowledge and abilities. Learn more about Virginia preschools, curriculum and teacher professional development.
- Ready Communities - including businesses, faith-based organizations, early childhood service providers, community groups and local governments – support schools and families through information and access to high-quality child care and other early learning opportunities and services.
The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) The VKRP provides teachers, parents, and administrators with a comprehensive understanding of students’ school readiness skills at the start of kindergarten as well as how they progressed by the end of the school year. VKRP complements Virginia’s statewide assessment of students’ literacy skills, using the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS), with assessments of early math (using the Early Mathematics Assessment System or EMAS) and self-regulation and social skills (using the Child Behavior Rating Scale or CBRS).
- To learn more about VKRP and how it works, visit the VKRP website. You will find a variety of informative resources, including a more detailed overview (PDF) and snapshot (PDF) of the VKRP and related blogs.
- Read Superintendent Lane’s and Chief School Readiness Officer Jenna Conway’s message to Virginia’s families and educators about VKRP: VKRP (Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program): A Pathway to Understanding Student Readiness Skills Statewide