Child Care Provider Scholarship Program: Summer 2025 Applications Accepted through April 28 

Early educators working toward a career studies certificate or college degree in Early Childhood Development may apply for a VDOE Scholarship for APPROVED COURSES at Virginia’s Community Colleges and Montessori Certification Programs. Summer scholarship applications will be accepted online from March 15 through April 28. Students seeking scholarships need to register for courses prior to submitting a scholarship application. Scholarships support the cost of in-state tuition, up $4,130 (new applicants).  

Licensing Application Fees   

In an effort to continue offering support to child care providers facing financial burdens while serving children and families, the VDOE will not be collecting fees for applications for licensure through June 2026. Applicants for initial licensure are reminded to submit your initial application at least 60 days prior to wanting to begin operation, and licensees are reminded that renewal applications should be submitted 60 days prior to expiration. 

Measles Reminders for Child Day Programs 

With reports of measles cases on the rise throughout the nation, the VDOE is reminding providers of the high transmissibility of the disease. Measles can be dangerous, especially for infants and young children. Measles is listed in the Communicable Disease Reference Chart for School and Child Care Facility Personnel, requiring exclusion of any children diagnosed with the illness and notification of families of exposure. Any suspected or confirmed measles cases are rapidly reportable, requiring that the case be reported immediately by the most rapid means available to the local health department. More information about measles can be found on the VDH website. 

National Poison Prevention Week: March 16-22   

In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, VDOE is reminding caregivers and educators that poisoning can happen anytime or anywhere. The VDOE encourages all child day programs to check your storage of hazardous products and medications and take action to correct any potential or hidden dangers. Ensure that the number of the regional or national poison control center is posted at each telephone. Find poison prevention tips for children on the Virginia Department of Health’s website.

The VDOE hosted a three-part webinar series to prepare school divisions for the 2025-2026 school year. VPI coordinators and VPI enrollment staff were encouraged to attend. The final webinar in the series will be held on March 25. Registration links have been sent to school division staff. 

• March 11 at 9 a.m. - Best Practices for Eligibility Determination: Review of determining primary vs secondary eligibility and needed documentation. Discussion of points systems and local criteria. Recording now available
• March 18 at 9 a.m. – Program Data and the Interconnected System: Review of all VPI and ECSE data sources and how this information interacts with other early childhood and K-12 data systems. Recording coming soon.
• March 25 at 9 a.m. – Blended Programming: Overview of all publicly funded ECCE programs and how they may work together with VPI programs. Discussions on how program requirements overlap and differ will be included. As well as how funding can be braided to maximize funds. 

Proposed Updates to the 2025-2026 VQB5 Guidelines - Webinar this Friday, March 21  

The VDOE will host a webinar for all Early Childhood Care and Education stakeholders about the proposed updates to the 2025-2026 VQB5 Guidelines on Friday, March 21 at noon. (This webinar will be recorded.)  

• Webinar: VQB5 Update on 2025-2026 Proposed Guidelines 
• Date: March 21 at Noon  
• Register
  

The VDOE has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit applications to award funds to one subgrantee to implement the statewide Virginia Infant and Toddler Specialist Network (VA ITSN). The RFA can be found on eVA, Virginia's electronic procurement system (Infant Toddler Specialist Network Request for Applications 90023). Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 1, to earlychildhood@doe.virginia.gov. Please review the application posted in eVA for additional information. 

Virginia Early Childhood Consultation (VECC) Webinar Rescheduled for March 27

Virginia Early Childhood Consultation (VECC) provides free, quarterly webinars (with live Spanish interpretation) for leaders, providers and teachers at sites serving children birth-to-five across Virginia. The upcoming webinar’s topic will help participants deepen their understanding of CLASS® dimensions Teacher Sensitivity and Regard for Child/Student Perspectives and use inclusive practices to support students with disabilities and children exhibiting challenging behavior. 

• Webinar: Meeting All Children’s Needs: Using Inclusive and Responsive Practices 
• Rescheduled Date: Thursday, March 27 at 1 p.m. 
• Register 
• Contact vecc@virginia.edu for more information