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Early Childhood Advisory Committee to Meet March 19
The first meeting of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC) of 2026 will take place on Thursday, March 19. See the ECAC webpage for more information regarding meeting location, public comment, and livestream information.

Child Care Centers and Family Day Homes
College Scholarships for Early Educators
The Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program, managed by the Virginia Department of Education, will be accepting scholarship applications for the SUMMER 2026 semester from March 15 through April 24. These scholarships provide funds for the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees for students taking approved early childhood development courses at a Virginia Community College as well as SCHEV-accredited Montessori Training Programs. Students may request scholarships for up to two APPROVED COURSES per semester.
National Poison Prevention Week: March 15-21
This week is National Poison Prevention Week. Poisoning remains the leading cause of injury-related death in the U.S. The VDOE encourages all child day programs to check storage of hazardous products and medications and take action to correct any potential or hidden dangers. Find poison prevention tips for children on the Virginia Department of Health’s website and make sure that the Poison Center number, 1-800-222-1222, is on or near every phone.
National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day – March 20
The VDOE is proud to celebrate National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day and honor the remarkable educators who shape our youngest learners. Every day, preschool and early childhood teachers nurture curiosity, build confidence, and create the foundation for lifelong learning. Your patience, creativity, and unwavering commitment make an extraordinary difference in children’s lives and in our community. To all of our early childhood educators, thank you for the passion and care you bring to your work.
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Virginia Preschool Initiative
To learn more about Virginia Preschool Initiative, visit the VPI webpage.

Early Childhood Special Education
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.
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
Register for the ELDS Micro-Credential
The ELDS Micro-Credential is a free, self-paced, online course designed for educators working with children birth to age five. The ELDS Micro-Credential supports early childhood professionals to build foundational knowledge of Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards.
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 Spring Edition is Coming!
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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