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Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Add-on Endorsement Workgroup Members– Application Due April 3, 2026
VDOE is seeking individuals willing to serve on the workgroup for the proposed Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) add-on endorsement. This proposed add-on endorsement addresses the growing demand for qualified educators to serve children with disabilities from birth to age five.
Child Care Centers and Family Day Homes
Important Reminder: Updates Included in Recent CCSP Provider Memo
Last week, the Child Care Subsidy Program (CCCSP) issued an important provider memo outlining updates to PASS system features, attendance requirements, payment timelines, and CCMS changes. If you have not yet reviewed this information, please take a moment to read the full memo [English] [Español] to ensure you remain up to date on the latest guidance and updates.
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Please continue to watch your inbox for PASS update emails.
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Information is also shared via Child CareVA VA, the infosite, and the KinderConnect announcements page.
March 14 is National Children's Craft Day
Caregivers and educators celebrating National Children’s Craft Day this week should encourage creativity while keeping safety a priority. Choose age‑appropriate, child‑labeled, non-toxic materials and watch for products that may contain common allergens. Provide close supervision to prevent choking, ingestion, or other accidents during activities, and model safe tool and supply use. When crafts are complete, be sure to clean the surface of the workspace and have children wash their hands.
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Virginia Preschool Initiative
Please see information on Creating Connections to Shining Stars 2026 registration in the ECSE section.
Please see information about the Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Add-on Endorsement Workgroup Members Application in the Special Announcements section.
Early Childhood Special Education
Register Today! Creating Connections to Shining Stars 2026
Creating Connections to Shining Stars is a collaborative effort between Virginia's Part C, Early Intervention and Part B, Early Childhood Special Education programs. Conference sessions will promote and support the implementation of evidence-based practices in inclusive settings for infants, toddlers, and young children, both with and without disabilities. Registration is limited to 300 participants, and demand is high. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Considerations for a Smooth and Timely Transition from Part C to Part B Webinar: Recording and Materials
On March 3, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the VDOE hosted a webinar about the transition from Early Intervention Services (Part C) to Early Childhood Special Education (Part B). The recording and materials are available below.
Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Add-on Endorsement Workgroup Members – Application Due April 3, 2026
VDOE is seeking individuals willing to serve on the workgroup for the proposed Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) add-on endorsement. This proposed add-on endorsement addresses the growing demand for qualified educators to serve children with disabilities from birth to age five.
Head Start
Virginia Head Start Association Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship applications are now open through the Virginia Head Start Association. For Head Start alumni, a $1,000 scholarship is available for high school seniors (applicants must indicate the Head Start program attended). Applicants must complete the HS Alumni Application.
Additionally, two $1,000 scholarships are available for a Head Start staff member and a current parent. Awardees must be enrolled in an institution of higher education. Staff must be nominated by program directors and parents must be nominated by Policy Council or program directors. The corresponding staff application or parent application must be completed.
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All applications must be submitted by April 1.
Please see information on Creating Connections to Shining Stars 2026 registration in the ECSE section.
Please see information about the Proposed Early Childhood Special Education Add-on Endorsement Workgroup Members Application in the Special Announcements section.
VQB5 - Virginia's Unified Measurement and Improvement System
2026-2027 Proposed VQB5 Guidelines Webinar on March 23
VDOE will host a webinar for all Early Childhood Care and Education stakeholders about the proposed updates to the 2026-2027 VQB5 Guidelines on Monday, March 23 at noon. (This webinar will be recorded.)
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Webinar: VQB5 Update on 2026-2027 Proposed Guidelines
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Date: March 23 at Noon
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Register
Early Learning Supports
Tomorrow: STREAMin3 + VALLSS Webinar – March 11
Attendees will explore STREAMin3 components and activities that align with the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) and help strengthen early literacy skills all year long.
Save the Date! VECC Free Quarterly Webinar - March 26
VECC is hosting a webinar focused on Infant Facilitated Exploration (FE), Toddler Facilitation of Learning and Development (FLD), and PreK Concept Development (CD) CLASS dimensions for birth to five educators. Participants will learn how to support children’s curiosity and critical thinking in daily practices. Live Spanish interpretation will be available.
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Webinar: From Curiosity to Critical Thinking – How Facilitating Learning Grows into Deep Thinking
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Date: March 26 at 1 p.m.
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Register
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Contact vecc@virginia.edu for questions.
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The Ready B5 Recap Winter Edition is Here!
View the winter edition of Ready B5 Recap, the quarterly newsletter for Early Childhood Care and Education in Virginia.
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STREAMin3 Coach Q&A every Tuesday and Thursday!
STREAMin3 is offering free, real-time curriculum use support every week with expert coaches. Support is available in Spanish.
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