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Become a Direct Subscriber
If you received this as a forward from your child's teacher and would like to receive our family newsletters and other updates like this directly, please use the “Subscribe to the Early Childhood Newsletter” link under "Early Childhood News and Announcements" on the FCPS Early Special Education web page to subscribe or update your preferences.
Transition to Kindergarten Information
Moving from a special education preschool program to kindergarten is an important milestone. It can feel exciting, but it may also feel overwhelming for children with disabilities and their families. Children experience many changes, including a longer school day, larger class sizes, new classmates, and new teachers.
Fairfax County Public Schools supports families during this transition by using a team approach. Families, teachers, and school staff work together to make sure each child receives the services and support they need for a successful start to kindergarten.
For information that was shared at our virtual session, view the video recording.
Community Peers
Children aged 3-4 by September 30th (birthday after 9/30/2025) may be eligible to attend preschool classes at an FCPS elementary school thanks to FCPS Community Peers.
The Community Peer program provides an opportunity for preschoolers with all abilities to work and play on a regular basis. Selected community peers attend as peer models in an early childhood special education classroom to promote social, academic, and language development.
Community Peers must be fully potty trained and not currently receiving FCPS special education services. Parents are responsible for providing transportation and meals for their child while attending the school site. Days and hours vary based on location, with half-day and full-day options for FCPS staff that may be available based on program availability at select schools.
Please complete this form if you are interested in having your child attend as a community peer.
What is an IEP?
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a written plan that supports your child’s learning and growth at school. It describes your child’s strengths and needs and explains the special education services and supports they will receive. The IEP also includes how often these services are provided and for how long.
The IEP is created by a team that includes you, your child’s teachers, and other school professionals. It is reviewed at least once a year and updated as your child makes progress. The goal of an IEP is to make sure your child has access to learning and the support they need to grow, close learning gaps, and build skills for success in school and after graduation.
For more information, please visit the Fairfax County Public Schools Special Education Services and Programs page.
Child Development: Communication (Virginia's Early Learning & Development Standards)
All children communicate in many ways. They use facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, body movements, signs, and words to connect with others. Strong communication and early literacy skills help children succeed in school and in everyday life. Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) explain how children from birth to age five grow in listening, speaking, understanding, and early reading skills.
Parents and caregivers can support language growth through everyday activities. Talking during play, reading books together, singing songs, and asking questions all help children build strong language skills. This article from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), describes how communication develops from infancy through the preschool years starting with early sounds to spoken language. Every child develops at their own pace, shaped by their experiences and interactions with others.
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