2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION

BUDGET RECAP

  • $11.1m to increase the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) per pupil amount from $6,326 in FY21 to $7,655 in FY22 to improve quality
  • $5m in FY22 to recruit and retain early educators (The Early Educator Recruitment and Retention Incentives)
  • $444k to increase access for 3-year-olds
  • $642k to allow flexibility for early learning programs (class sizes, ratios, and meeting the needs of working families)
  • $205k for the Deputy Superintendent of Early Childhood position in the Department of Education (DOE) to oversee early learning and provide leadership
  • $300k to expand the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) to preschool classrooms
  • $300k to eliminate waitlists in VPI
  • $36m for the G3 Program (part of the funds will support early educator workforce training).
  • Language to increase access through partnerships between private programs and school divisions
  • Language to expand access for special education children in VPI

LEGISLATION

  • Dedicated funding for over 20,000 at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds to have access to quality early learning programs.
  • Temporary expansion of access to the federal Child Care Subsidy Program for middle income families ($52.5m included in federal funding allocations)
  • Extended portability of background checks for early education program personnel to five years, and establishing a two-year pilot program to emphasize quality for provider contracts with DOE.

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