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 three and 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
- FY26 Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Guidelines (PDF)
- FY26 Guidelines for Determining Student Eligibility for the State-Funded Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) and Best Practices for Implementing a Local Eligibility Process (PDF)
- Guidelines for the Prevention of Suspension and Expulsion of Young Children
Application Process and Funding
Resources
- Guidance for PK Funding and PK Experience Codes (PDF)
- New VPI Coordinator Training, 2025-2026
- VPI Funding for ECSE Classrooms
- Slides - Funding for Public School Preschool Programs (PDF)
- Transportation
- School Bus Transportation of Pre-School-Aged Children from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration