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How Do I Qualify for VPI?

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)

Eligibility

Students must be residents of Winchester City (22601 zip code) and turn 3 or 4 by September 30, 2026. 

Eligibility is based on at-risk criteria set by the state and local school division. Students are eligible if one or more of the following apply for VPI State Criteria: 

  • Family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Experiencing homelessness
  • Parents or guardians are school drop outs
  • Child Has an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The family may also meet local at-risk criteria. See below. 

Income Guidelines

A table that lists the income requirements for WPS Preschool
  • Families with income 200% or less above the poverty level are eligible for Pre-K.
  • Families who are at 130% of the poverty level may also be eligible for Head Start.
  • For families with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each additional person.

Registration Requirements

  • Email address
  • Parent/Guardian’s photo identification
  • Child's birth certificate
  • TWO (2) Proofs of Residency:
    -Recent utility bill no more than 2 months old (gas, electric, water/sewer, home phone)
    -Receipt for personal property taxes or real estate taxes paid within the last year
    -Current homeowner's/renter's insurance policy
    -Current deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement or rental/lease agreement
  • Proof of family's income (even if qualified under local criteria)
    -W-2 forms or pay stubs which indicate gross year-to-date earnings
    -Last year’s tax return (1040)
    -An official letter from your employer stating your monthly earnings
    -Unemployment Benefits
    -and/or Documentation of child support or spousal support
  • Custody papers/court papers (if this applies to your child)
  • Current physical and immunizations are required if accepted to the program

All applicants must provide proof of income, even if they qualify under different criteria.

A home visit is required before a student can begin Preschool.

Additional Factors for Consideration (Local Criteria)

  • Family member suffers from abuse, including all forms of trauma and/or adverse childhood experiences. (Must identify family member by name, relationship and form of trauma/abuse)
  • Family member living in the household has mental illness or disability. (Must identify family member by name and relationship and also provide diagnosis and medical evidence)
  • Single parent home
  • Foster/welfare: Child is in foster care or is involved with the Child Welfare system.
  • Death/Major medical treatment or issues in the family during the child's lifetime
  • Child is being raised by someone other than a parent.
  • ELL (English is not the primary language spoken at home)
  • Parent is deployed or on active military duty.
  • Parent is incarcerated.
  • Child has documented child development concerns based on medical documentation or a standardized screening tool.
  • Teen parent (17 or younger)
  • No access to high quality, available, affordable childcare options within 10 miles of the child’s home: high quality is a Ready Region Blue Ridge site, available is a site with open slots, affordable is a site that accepts Child Care Subsidy.
  • Recent unexpected decrease in household income by 30% or more in the past 12 months.

Contact Information

Patricia Black
Coordinator of Early Childhood Education 
540-667-4253

Diane Benitez
Early Childhood Family Liaison
540-686-5436