Developments in Virginia Preschool Initiative and Head Start Programs

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Developments in Virginia Preschool Initiative
and Head Start Programs

• Start Strong Council
• December 6, 2006

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Status of VPI Participation

• Virginia Preschool Initiative
• State funded preschool for at-risk 4-year-olds
• Incentive program (i.e., participation is
  voluntary for localities)
• Programs may be provided by schools or
  contracted out
• Required local contribution based on composite
  index of local ability to pay ranges from 20
  to 80

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Status of VPI Participation

• 14 school divisions not eligible
• no remaining at-risk 4-year-olds after accounting
  for Head Start (free lunch proxy)
• 100 divisions participating
• 22 eligible but not participating

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Reasons for nonparticipation

• Start-up costs
• Space constraints
• Critical mass fewer than 16 slots allocated
• Local match requirement
• Other priorities for local funds
• Lack of familiarity with alternative models

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Efforts to increase participation

• New language in Appropriation Act added by
  Delegate Hamilton and Senator Stolle
• The Department is authorized to expend
  unobligated balances in this program for grants
  to qualifying schools and community-based groups
  for one-time expenses, other than capital,
  related to start-up or expansion of programs.

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Efforts to increase participation

• Superintendent Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. hosted
  conference calls with superintendents of larger
  divisions to identify obstacles and offer
  assistance
• DOE SOE staff designing start-up expansion
  grant program based on these discussions
• At least 13 of 45 eligible divisions have
  indicated intent to apply, more are expected
• New programs will begin in Fall 2007 staff will
  work with divisions to promote coordination and
  innovation

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Head Start VPI Title I Collaboration Grants

• Competitive one-time funds from the Admin. for
  Children and Families, Region III to
• Engage community stakeholders and conduct joint
  preschool needs assessment
• Harmonize eligibility guidelines
• Coordinate recruitment and enrollment of 3- and
  4-year-olds, including creating single point of
  access
• Enhance communication among programs
• Offer joint training

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Head Start VPI Title I Collaboration Grants

• Twelve 25,000 grants have been awarded

• Plans for harmonized eligibility promise to
  increase the total number of children served
  with existing .