Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
VAAEYC supports the adoption of research-based income criteria for VPI eligibility that allows for some local flexibility in eligibility decisions. We also encourage incentives for local school divisions to make use of VPI funding that is already in place. VAAEYC supports a per pupil rate to reflect true cost of quality.
Child Care Assistance
VAAEYC supports additional funding to make child care affordable and accessible to all low income working families. Additional funding will increase the number of children served and move the state toward fair market reimbursement rates to providers. VAAEYC supports advocacy and public policies that expand grants for these purposes.
Public Private Partnerships
VAAEYC endorses public/private partnerships in child care and early education settings that demonstrate quality via a high level of attainment in the “Virginia Quality” system or NAEYC accreditation.
Standards of Care
VAAEYC supports continued efforts to improve the safety of child care including national fingerprint background checks and enhanced penalties for non-compliance with regulations. VAAEYC supports the continued steps by the VDOE to improve licensing standards.
Early Intervention
VAAEYC supports adequate funding of Early Intervention (Part C) to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers so that young children with developmental delays reach their full potential
Scholarships and Training for Early Learning Professionals
VAAEYC encourages an increased emphasis on training in developmentally appropriate practices for all professionals educating children from birth through age eight. We also support the VDOE’s continued efforts to improve child care professional training. VAAEYC supports continued and increased funding of scholarships and apprenticeships for students in early childhood training to assist individuals in obtaining appropriate credentials.