New Kent County Public Schools is excited to announce that applications for Early Learning and Head Start programs for the 2025-2026 school year will officially open on February 5th, 2025. NKCPS is committed to providing high-quality Early Learning programs across all three elementary schools and partnering with New Kent Head Start to offer a streamlined application process for families.

Why Choose NKCPS Early Learning Programs?

NKCPS Early Learning and Head Start programs are designed to provide a strong foundation for future academic success. These programs emphasize nurturing environments, interactive learning experiences, and developmentally appropriate practices that help prepare children for Kindergarten and beyond.

What is VQB5: Ensuring Quality Early Education?

All NKCPS Early Learning programs meet the standards set by the Virginia Department of Education's Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) rating scale. VQB5 is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs, focusing on:

• Classroom Observations: Ensuring positive teacher-child interactions through nationally recognized observation tools.
• Approved Curriculum: Encouraging the use of state-approved, high-quality curriculum tailored to early childhood development.
• Ongoing Improvement: Providing consistent feedback and resources to educators for continuous improvement.

For more details about VQB5 and what it means for your child’s early education experience, you can view the VDOE VQB5 for Families PDF here.

Who Can Apply?

• Children must be three years old by September 30, 2025, unless they qualify for the Head Start program.

• Two-year-old children may qualify for NKCPS Early Learning or Head Start services if they are identified as eligible for special education services or may be placed on the PCDC Head Start waitlist until they turn three. Families with developmental concerns about their two-year-old are encouraged to visit the Child Find webpage to learn more and submit the linked form. You may also contact Emily Raper at (804) 966-8546 for assistance.

• Head Start Eligibility Criteria:

  • Families between 100% and 130% percent of the federal poverty level (based on annual Federal Guidelines)
  • Families receiving public assistance (SNAP, SSI, or TANF)
  • Families in Kinship Care or Foster Care Assistance
  • Children with disabilities
  • Families experiencing Homelessness

For more information about Head Start services:

• Visit the PCDC Head Start website
• Contact Tracy Tate at [email protected] or call (804) 843-2289

How to Apply:

• CLICK HERE to complete the Google form application.
• For a paper copy of the application, please call (804) 557-3061.

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de New Kent anuncian que las solicitudes para los programas de Aprendizaje Temprano y Head Start para el año escolar 2025-2026 abrirán el 5 de febrero de 2025. NKCPS ofrece programas de Aprendizaje Temprano de alta calidad en las tres escuelas primarias y colabora con Head Start de New Kent para un proceso de solicitud simplificado.

¿Por qué elegir los Programas de Aprendizaje Temprano de NKCPS?

Los programas proporcionan una base sólida para el éxito académico futuro, con ambientes enriquecedores, aprendizaje interactivo y prácticas apropiadas para preparar a los niños para el Kindergarten.

¿Qué es VQB5: Asegurando una Educación Temprana de Calidad?

Los programas cumplen con los estándares Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) del Departamento de Educación de Virginia, enfocándose en:

• Observaciones en el Aula: Asegurando interacciones positivas entre maestros y niños.
• Plan de Estudios Aprobado: Uso de currículo de alta calidad adaptado al desarrollo infantil.
• Mejora Continua: Retroalimentación y recursos constantes para educadores.

Para más detalles, consulte el PDF de VDOE VQB5 para Familias aquí.

¿Quién puede solicitar?

• Niños de tres años cumplidos antes del 30 de septiembre de 2025, salvo calificación para Head Start.
• Niños de dos años pueden calificar si son elegibles para educación especial o estar en lista de espera de PCDC Head Start. Para preocupaciones sobre desarrollo, visite Child Find o contacte a Emily Raper: (804) 966-8546.
• Criterios de elegibilidad para Head Start:
  • Familias entre 100% y 130% del nivel federal de pobreza
  • Receptores de asistencia pública (SNAP, SSI, TANF)
  • Familias en Cuidado por Parentesco o Cuidado Temporal
  • Niños con discapacidades
  • Familias sin vivienda

Información de Head Start:

• Visite PCDC Head Start
• Contacte a Tracy Tate: [email protected] o (804) 843-2289

Cómo solicitar:

• CLIC AQUÍ para el formulario Google.
•  Para solicitud impresa, llame al (804) 557-3061.