For information about the 2024-2025 GCPS Preschool program, select the blue button above: 2024-2025 Preschool Information & App.
All families will need to have an accessible email address to submit your funding application and required documentation, and/or to receive any requests for additional information or updates. Forms should be submitted by email to [email protected] with your Child's Name in the Subject line. Forms may also be returned to the School Board Office: 6099 TC Walker Road, Gloucester, VA 23061. Notification of receipt of forms or missing documentation will be sent via email. Please check all mailboxes (e.g., Junk, Spam) for your email address. Do not submit forms through a school.
GCPS Consolidated Early Childhood Preschool Programs:
Gloucester County Public Schools is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience for our earliest learners through a comprehensive early childhood program for children with disabilities aged 2-4 and for at-risk children aged 3-4. The previous programs, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE or IPOP) and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), were consolidated for the 2021-2022 school year. Information about the new program structure is available below.
To apply for a child to attend a GCPS Preschool Program:
1) Read about our program on this webpage or in the Overview Packet linked below.
2) Complete the Interest Form below to receive the funding application forms.
3) Complete and return the funding application forms by email or to our Central Office.
4) Then, when you receive notification of placement for your child you will follow the instructions provided to complete his/her enrollment.
Other Community Opportunities:
The Bridges Head Start Program is a federally-funded, comprehensive, early childhood educational program that serves income-eligible preschool children and their families. The program is overseen by the Parent Child Development Corporation (PCDC) and is currently funded for a limited number of children and their families in the counties of Charles City, King and Queen, King William, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, and New Kent. For more information visit: https://www.pcdcva.org/head-start_home/ or call 804-843-2289.
Program Information
For information about the 2024-2025 GCPS Preschool program, select the blue button above: 2024-2025 Preschool Information & App.
GCPS preschool classrooms for ages 3 and 4 will operate with the same school calendar as the Gloucester County Public Schools K-12 program, with flexibility at the student or school level based on needs and services.
Early Learners: Students, including all two-year-olds, are identified and served by the Office of Special Education and receive services determined by their IEP team;
Three-year-old students will attend for a partial-day; students served by the Office of Special Education will receive services determined by their IEP team; some students may be designated to participate in the Early Learner Program.
Four-year-old students served by the Office of Special Education will receive services determined by their IEP team;
Four-year-old students not served by the Office of Special Education may indicate a full- or partial-day preference at the time of application; preference will be considered but cannot be guaranteed due to enrollment and classroom considerations.
Students not served by the Office of Special Education or eligible through VPI funding will be considered potential tuition-based students, and will be placed on the waitlist by age and school zone until space is deemed available.
The early childhood classroom environment is guided by a research-based curriculum aligned with the Virginia preschool standards. This curriculum promotes a child’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth. Movement breaks are incorporated throughout the day.
If you need assistance or have questions about this program, please contact the GCPS Office of Special Education: (804) 693-7944.
Additional Resources
Virginia Department of Education: Early Childhood
Boston Basics: Give Every Child a Great Start in Life!
Office of Instructional Services
804-693-7944