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Child Care Centers and Family Day Homes
NEW Virginia Preservice Training Released May 1
The Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff was revised and released May 1. Four training tracks are available based on program type and ages of children served. The former 10-hour preservice course will remain accessible until June 1 for staff already enrolled. Additional details are in the April 24 memo, and course registration links are posted on the Training and Professional Development webpage.
Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP): Attendance and Absence Policy Reminder
CCSP providers are encouraged to review attendance and absence policies, including expectations related to extended absences (when a child is absent more than five consecutive days) and communication with families. Staying up to date helps ensure accurate reporting and payment. Note: Extended absences require additional documentation and follow-up.
Hurricane Preparedness Week: May 3 – May 9
During Hurricane Preparedness Week, VDOE encourages educators and caregivers to review and update their emergency preparedness plan for hurricane season. Make sure staff and children know what to do if a storm occurs. The National Weather Service offers guidance on hurricane readiness, and ChildCare Aware of Virginia provides free emergency preparedness training for subsidy programs and those serving infants and toddlers. Staying prepared helps keep everyone safe when severe weather takes place.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week: May 3–9
In recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, VDOE reminds caregivers and educators of the importance of supporting every child’s mental well-being. The week highlights the need to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention, especially as children face modern day stressors. It also encourages creating inclusive, supportive environments where all children can thrive. Resources for promoting children’s mental health are available through the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
National Provider Appreciation Day: May 8
The VDOE is proud to celebrate National Provider Appreciation Day and honor the dedicated child care providers, teachers, and educators who support children and families every day. Your work nurtures children's growth, strengthens communities, and makes it possible for families to thrive. We recognize the skill, compassion, and commitment you bring to your work, and we are grateful for the stability and care you provide. To all providers, teachers and educators—thank you for all you do.
Virginia Preschool Initiative
Please see the Power of MTSS in the Preschool Classroom in the ECSE Section.
Early Childhood Special Education
Sensory AccessABILITIES: The Virtual Mini-Unconference
The Virginia Deafblind Project is hosting Sensory AccessABILITIES: The Virtual Mini-Unconference on May 6. This interactive virtual event is designed to create space for collaboration, idea-sharing, and practical strategies centered on sensory accessibility. The unconference format invites those in attendance to help shape the conversation. Participants may choose to attend one or both sessions.
The Power of MTSS in the Preschool Classroom: Connecting Assessment Data and Tiered Instruction
Join this expert-led edWebinar to learn how to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) in early childhood classrooms. The goal of this session is to address how to use MTSS to determine which children need additional support, develop differentiated goals, create evidence-based intervention plans, monitor progress, and make data-based decisions.
Head Start
National Research Conference on Early Childhood
Join the Administration for Children and Families’ National Research Conference on Early Childhood, June 22-24, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. This dynamic event will showcase innovative research on early childhood programs, highlighting data-driven strategies that improve outcomes for children and families. Engage with experts, explore emerging trends, and discover practical insights to strengthen policy and practice.
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Conference: National Research Conference on Early Childhood
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Date: June 22-24
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Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott - Arlington, Virginia
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Register
Please see the Power of MTSS in the Preschool Classroom in the ECSE Section.
VQB5 - Virginia's Unified Measurement and Improvement System
End of Year Action Items – May 31 Deadlines for VQB5
The VQB5 spring window ends on May 31. Since May 31 falls on a weekend this year, the following action items will be accepted through June 1.
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Verify Educators’ Employment Status – Review and confirm each educator’s current employment status in LinkB5.
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Complete and Verify Spring Local Observations – Ensure that all local CLASS observation scores are entered and verified in LinkB5.
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Update Curriculum Use (optional) – Review your site’s curriculum use information in LinkB5 and update this information if needed.
Early Learning Supports
This Week! VECC Quarterly Webinar – May 7
VECC is hosting a free webinar designed for VQB5 educators and leaders. Participants will explore how everyday interactions grow children’s thinking through guided video reflection, real classroom scenarios, and data-informed discussion. Live Spanish interpretation will be available.
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Webinar: From Observation to Transformation: Using Video Reflection to Strengthen Teacher-Child Interactions and Reflective Practice
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Date: May 7 at 1 p.m.
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Register
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Contact vecc@virginia.edu for more information.
Save the Date! STREAMin3 + Summer Planning Wednesday Webinar- May 13
Participants will learn about STREAMin3 portal upgrades to support summer planning or working ahead for the new school year.
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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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The Ready B5 Recap Spring Edition is Here!
View the spring edition of Ready B5 Recap, the quarterly newsletter for Early Childhood Care and Education in Virginia.
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