Prekindergarten serves 4-year-olds with the greatest need, helping them build skills and prepare for kindergarten. A limited number of spots are available. Applying for prekindergarten does not guarantee a spot for your child.

Prekindergarten is a full-day program that follows the Chesterfield County Public Schools calendar and regular school hours. Prekindergarten is free, and transportation is provided in accordance with CCPS guidelines.

Chesterfield County Public Schools prekindergarten uses the research-based Creative Curriculum for Preschool. Through individual, hands-on and project-based studies, students build confidence, creativity and critical thinking skills across content and developmental areas to promote positive outcomes.

Prekindergarten is offered at these sites:

• Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy serving Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah, Marguerite Christian, Curtis, Ecoff, Enon, Gates, Harrowgate, Salem Church, Elizabeth Scott and Wells elementary schools

• Bon Air, Davis, Chalkley, Crenshaw, Crestwood, Ettrick, Evergreen, Falling Creek, Greenfield, Hening, Hopkins, Jacobs Road, Matoaca, Providence and Reams Road elementary schools

Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30 of the upcoming school year and reside in a Chesterfield County school zone with a prekindergarten program. There are no exceptions to age and residency requirements. Use this link to find your zoned school. Prekindergarten is funded through the Virginia Preschool Initiative, Head Start and Title I. To be considered for prekindergarten, you must meet the funding source’s requirements.

• Child’s birth certificate (original or certified document). We cannot accept a photocopy. We recommend taking a clear picture and uploading it with your other documents.

• Court-ordered custody paperwork, if applicable.

• Individualized education program, if applicable.

• Proof of income for everyone contributing to the family for the past 12 months. If you or anyone in the family has worked at any time in the past 12 months, then we are required to have income information using one or more of these documents:

  • All 2023 W-2s for all employment (preferred).

  • Pages 1-2 of 2023 1040 tax forms showing your name, dependents and gross income (preferred).

  • Two most recent paycheck stubs with name and address and two different dates.

  • Letter from your employer indicating period of employment and salary. This letter is only needed if you do not provide a W-2, 1040 or paycheck stubs.

  • Court-ordered documents regarding child support, if applicable.

  • Unemployment documentation.

• Supplemental Income. If you, your spouse or children receive any of these, you must provide the documentation for: TANF verification; SNAP (dated within the past six months with both the front and back of the page showing correct address and listing all members of the household); Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Administration documents; and Virginia VIEW transitional payments.

• If you do not receive any income, then you must write a declaration-of-no-income letter stating how you are able to live without income. Examples may include your family is helping you or you receive Medicaid benefits. If the father or mother of your child is helping you financially, then put this information in the letter (including the amount that is given to you and how often this occurs). Be sure to date and sign the letter before uploading it. Additionally, you will be required to sign a form stating the information in your declaration- of-no-income letter is true. If it is not true, then your child will be withdrawn from prekindergarten.

Chesterfield County Public Schools will begin reviewing prekindergarten applications in March and will begin placing students in June. You must complete all of the necessary steps and submit the required documents in order for your child to be accepted into prekindergarten or placed on a waitlist. If you apply before June 1, then by June 30 you will receive an acceptance letter or a waitlist letter.

If you receive an acceptance letter, then you must take these steps in order for your child to be fully enrolled in prekindergarten:

• Complete registration at your school of acceptance and provide documents to prove residency.

• Before the start of school, complete the physical/immunization forms, hematocrit test to determine red blood cell levels, test to check for lead and dental forms.

• Before the start of school, complete vision, hearing and developmental screening at the prekindergarten office.

• Actively participate in: home visit before school starts; in the fall and spring conferences; and in a home visit in February.

• Attend orientation (parents/legal guardians only; must attend the entire orientation).