Impact of VKRP
The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program began in 2013 and has now expanded statewide. In Fall of 2019, VKRP was implemented in all 132 school divisions in Kindergarten classrooms across the Commonwealth.
In the Fall of 2021, VKRP expanded to publicly supported Pre-Kindergarten classrooms.
It’s become clear that VKRP provides a more comprehensive understanding of early learning and school readiness in Virginia.
Thanks to VKRP we know...
What factors promote school readiness
We know more about the readiness disparities and the positive association that preschool has with school readiness, especially for students from households with low-incomes.
Who needs more support
We are learning more about our students facing multiple barriers and can use this information to design better supports for them both prior to kindergarten entry and during the kindergarten school year.
Why data is important
We know more about how to use data to guide decision-making and instruction. Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten teachers receive individualized reports and resources to support their own practice and student learning, while statewide readiness reports are providing actionable data for informed decision-making.
As a result of VKRP’s findings, the Commonwealth has been able to push forward with an $85-million plan to advance equity by improving the quality and availability of early childhood education to low-income families across Virginia.
Guiding Policy for Our Youngest Learners
VKRP data has highlighted the importance of high-quality early childhood learning experiences, helping policy makers make sound and informed decisions about early childhood education in Virginia.
Children who experience preschool enter kindergarten demonstrating stronger school readiness skills. This is especially true for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are 1.5 times more likely to be ready for kindergarten if they attend public preschool, compared to their peers who do not attend preschool.
We know more about the readiness disparities and the positive association that preschool has with school readiness, especially for students from households with low-incomes.
Children who experience preschool enter kindergarten demonstrating stronger school readiness skills. This is especially true for children from households with low-incomes who are 1.5 times more likely to be ready for kindergarten if they attend public preschool, compared to their peers who do not attend preschool.
Shining a Light on School Readiness
Readiness gaps are often evident at school entry. See why VKRP aims to provide a clear snapshot of Virginia’s kindergarten readiness landscape.
Supporting Student Growth
Teachers report using VKRP data to better understand and support their student’s individuals skills during the school year.
