Session 2021

2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION

$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

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.