Chesterfield County Public Schools -

Currently, Chesterfield County Public Schools serves 736 prekindergarten students through three funding sources: 

• Head Start (196 students)

• Virginia Preschool Initiative (432 students)

• Title I (108 students) 

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, CCPS will no longer seek funding through Head Start. The number of students who are currently served through Head Start will instead be served through the Virginia Preschool Initiative. CCPS leaders believe this change will streamline the application process for prekindergarten while continuing support for families and helping children prepare to succeed in kindergarten.

What is the difference between the Virginia Preschool Initiative and Head Start?

Both programs support school readiness through education, health screenings and other services. However, over the past two years, Head Start has increased staffing requirements while providing less overall funding; annual Head Start funding does not fully cover costs for required Head Start personnel. Additionally, the Virginia Preschool Initiative offers more flexibility for eligibility.

• The Virginia Preschool Initiative is a state-funded program designed to provide early learning opportunities for prekindergarten students who are considered at-risk. Virginia Preschool Initiative funds offer opportunities for students from families with incomes of not more than 200% of the poverty level, students meeting certain local criteria and students with disabilities. 

• The Head Start program is federally funded and operates with strict regulations and guidelines for eligibility, services, staffing ratios and reporting requirements. To be eligible for Head Start, a family’s income cannot be higher than the federal poverty level. (Head Start does allow a percentage of families served to have incomes slightly higher than the poverty level).