The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
Welcome to the Warren County Virginia Preschool Initiative
The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) provides a high-quality early childhood education program for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children who reside in Warren County.
Our program is designed to prepare children for a successful transition into Kindergarten by providing engaging learning experiences in a safe, nurturing environment.
✔ High-quality early childhood education
✔ Developmentally appropriate instruction
✔ Kindergarten readiness
✔ Family engagement
Please note: The VPI program is an educational preschool program and is not childcare or daycare.
Our Mission
The Virginia Preschool Initiative was established to:
- Bridge educational gaps before Kindergarten
- Provide equitable access to quality preschool
- Promote school readiness
- Support the whole child through play-based learning
The program is funded through state and local resources.
Where are the Preschool classrooms located?
Classrooms are located at each Elementary School with the exception of A.S. Rhodes. Eligible students who live in A.S. Rhodes school zone attend the VPI program at E. Wilson Morrison.
A Typical Day in Preschool
Children enjoy a balanced day filled with learning, exploration, creativity, and play.
Daily Activities
- Literacy Centers
- Math Centers
- Small Group Instruction
- Whole Group Carpet Time
- Read-Alouds
- Three Cheers for Pre-K Curriculum
- Daily Outdoor Recess
- Rest Time
- Library
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education (P.E.)
Classroom Staffing
Each classroom includes:
- One Virginia Licensed Preschool Teacher
- One Instructional Assistant
Some classrooms have two instructional assistants.
Class Size
Most classrooms serve 14–18 students.
Regular attendance is essential for student success!
VPI Student Experiences
Our goal is to provide enriching educational experiences that support the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child.
Students may participate in:
- 🍎 Food Assistance Programs
- 📚 Literacy Family Engagement Nights
- 🔬 STEM Family Engagement Events
- 🎵 Music Therapy
- 🐺 Wolf Trap Annual Outreach Programs
- 🚒 Fire Safety Demonstrations
- 🚌 Educational Field Trips
- ❤️ Holiday Assistance Programs
How are children found eligible?
VPI State Criteria:
- Homelessness
- Family Income at or below 200% Federal poverty guidelines
- Early Childhood Special Education - Must go through Child Find process or have a transfer IEP from another school division
- Parent did not graduate High School
VPI Local Criteria:
- Abuse/Trauma
- Child is in foster care
- Parent is incarcerated
- Child is an English Language Learner
- Family income at or below 225% of the Federal poverty guidelines
- Child MUST be a Warren County resident
VPI Application & Required Documents
Our online application will be available in March. Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
We are piloting an online application system called School Mint. It is mobile-friendly and will allow parents to complete all forms online as well as upload documents.
Documents needed to complete your application include:
- Birth Certificate
- Copy of parents' ID
- Proof of residency (lease, mortgage statement, or electric bill)
- Immunization records
- Income verification (W2, paystub, benefits, etc.)
- School Health Entrance Form (English) (Spanish)
- Custody papers (if applicable)
2026-2027 Applications
**If you applied online last year, when you log in to your Go2Grow account, some of your previously entered information should still be available.
Step-by-Step Application Instructions for Returning Families
Please return all paper copies of the application to:
Special Services Attn: Julie Lazenby
465 W. 15th Street Ste. 700, Front Royal, VA 22630
Child Find Process:
If you suspect that a child residing in Warren County, ages two through five (not yet eligible for kindergarten), has a disability such as a speech/language and/or developmental delay, the first step in the process is to contact the WCPS Child Find Center to "refer" the child. A child can be referred by a parent, doctor, case manager, teacher, speech pathologist, or any other concerned party
Our Child Find Committee will schedule a meeting for your child to be screened. We will provide the necessary steps to support your child's development and growth
For any questions, please contact our Early Childhood & Child Find Coordinator,
Julie Lazenby at: jlazenby@wcps.k12.va.us