For information about the 2024-2025 GCPS Preschool program, select the blue button above: 2024-2025 Preschool Information & App. For the 2025-2026 application process, please be familiar with the state criteria provided on the Preschool Information and Application page.
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 consolidated program structure is available below.
To be eligible to attend a GCPS Preschool Program, a child's application will need to meet one of the following criteria:
The GCPS preschool program is for eligible two- to four-year old children who:
are currently served through the GCPS Office of Special Education (age 2-4),
These families will be contacted by GCPS staff regarding placement for the 2025-2026 academic year after completing the online interest survey, and will be asked to complete a packet for consideration for VPI funding eligibility.
OR
are legal residents of Gloucester County that potentially meet specific needs-based criteria (see #1-4 below)**;
Students not served by the Office of Special Education and interested in GCPS Preschool may apply to the program if they potentially meet one of the following needs-based criteria established by the Virginia General Assembly to be eligible for funding through the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) (detailed information included on pages 3-4 of the GCPS Preschool Program Overview Packet for 2024-2025):
The child’s family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level for family size.
The child is homeless.
The child’s parents or legal guardians are school dropouts.
The child has an identified special need or disability.
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. This program serves approximately 150 children out of a potential 700 children aged three and four in Gloucester County.
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. Placement is not guaranteed.
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 your child is age 5 or above by September 30th, please contact your closest elementary school for Kindergarten enrollment assistance, or visit GCPS Student Registration.
Abingdon Elementary: 804-642-9885
Achilles Elementary: 804-642-9140
Bethel Elementary: 804-693-2360
Botetourt Elementary: 804-693-2151
Petsworth Elementary: 804-693-6161
If your child is below age 4 without a current IEP, and you have concerns about their development or need assistance with this form, please contact the GCPS Office of Special Education for assistance: 804-693-7944
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