About prekindergarten
The prekindergarten program serves 4-year-old children through a full-day program that follows the CCPS school calendar and regular school hours. The program is free, and transportation is provided in accordance with CCPS transportation guidelines.
CCPS prekindergarten programs use the research-based curriculum The 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 several elementary school sites:
- Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy serving: Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah, Marguerite Christian, Curtis, Wells, Ecoff, Enon, Harrowgate, Gates, Salem Church, Elizabeth Scott
- Davis, Bon Air, Chalkley, Crenshaw, Crestwood, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Hening, Hopkins, Jacobs Road, Matoaca, Providence, Reams Road
Eligibility
Children must be four years old on or before Sept. 30 of the upcoming school year and reside within Chesterfield County and in a school zone that houses a prekindergarten program. There are no exceptions to age and residency requirements. The prekindergarten programs are funded through the Virginia Preschool Initiative, Head Start, and Title I grant. In order to be considered for one of these programs, you must meet the mandated requirements. There is no cost to families for the programming, and transportation is provided in accordance with CCPS transportation guidelines. To find your zoned school, use this link.
How to Apply
Important Information
IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED
If you have previously applied for the prekindergarten program, please call the prekindergarten office at (804) 706-6061 for English and (804) 706-6062 for Spanish.
Documents Needed to Apply
- Child’s certified birth certificate (original document). We cannot accept a photocopy. We recommend taking a clear picture and uploading it with your other documents.
- Proof of income for all individuals contributing to the family – provide all applicable documentation:
- All 2022 W2s for all employment (PREFERABLE), 2022 1040 tax forms (PREFERABLE), or two most recent check stubs with different dates;
- TANF verification, SNAP (front and back of the page), SSI, or SSA documents;
- A letter from your employer indicating period of employment and salary;
- Court documents regarding child support;
- and/or unemployment documentation.
- If you do not receive any income, you must write a Declaration of No Income. This letter also needs to state how you are able to live without income. Examples would include: family is helping you, and you receive SNAP and Medicaid benefits. If the father or Mother of your child is helping you financially, we will need to know the amount and how often, that must be included in the letter as well. You must date, sign and upload.
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if applicable
REQUIREMENTS, IF SELECTED
After receiving your acceptance letter, to be fully accepted into the prekindergarten program you must:
- Complete registration at your zoned school of acceptance, and provide the required documents to prove residency.
- Complete the physical/immunization forms, hematocrit and lead testing, and dental forms before the start of school.
- Complete a vision, hearing, and developmental screening provided by the Pre-K office before the start of school.
- Actively participate in one home visit prior to school starting, the fall (November) and spring (May) conferences, and one home visit in February.
- Attend (in entirety) a prekindergarten orientation. (Parents/Legal Guardians only)