✉️ VDOE Readiness Connections Update: March 17, 2026

Virginia Department of Education sent this bulletin at 03/17/2026 12:07 PM EDT

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Save the Date

March 23 at Noon - Webinar: VQB5 Update on 2026-2027 Proposed Guidelines. Register

March 26 at 1 p.m. - Webinar: From Curiosity to Critical Thinking – How Facilitating Learning Grows into Deep Thinking. Register

July 14-16 - Creating Connections to Shining Stars: This conference promotes and supports the implementation of evidence-based practices in inclusive settings for infants, toddlers, and young children, both with and without disabilities. Register

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.

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.

Individuals meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply for the workgroup. Workgroup member criteria, additional information and how to apply may be found in the ECSE Add-on Announcement and the ECSE Add-on Endorsement Workgroup Application. Applications are due April 3, 2026.

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.

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.)

Webinar: VQB5 Update on 2026-2027 Proposed Guidelines
Date: March 23 at Noon
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.

Online Training: Learn more about the ELDS Micro-Credential (English/Spanish)
Register
Contact rebecca.shaffer@doe.virginia.gov with any questions.

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.

Webinar: From Curiosity to Critical Thinking – How Facilitating Learning Grows into Deep Thinking
Date: March 26 at 1 p.m.
Register
Contact vecc@virginia.edu for questions.

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.

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.

Date: Every Tuesday from 11 a.m. - noon and Thursday from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Register: Tuesdays/Thursdays
Contact: STREAMin³ at streamin3@virginia.edu for questions.

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