A New Year
Finding Our Rhythm in 2026
As we move further into a new calendar year, many students, educators, and administrators across the Commonwealth of Virginia are still finding their footing in 2026. Between winter breaks and several snow days, January likely looked very different depending on where you are in the state. For some divisions, the month may have felt like a blur—marked by closures, shifting schedules, and repeated efforts to regain momentum just as routines were beginning to take shape.
Despite these disruptions, schools across Virginia have continued to adapt with flexibility and perseverance. For February, we are hopeful that more typical operations are ahead, along with familiar moments of joy and connection—100th Day of School celebrations, Valentine’s Day activities, and the steady return of classroom routines that anchor teaching and learning. These moments, while seemingly small, help restore rhythm and remind us of the shared experiences that make the school year meaningful.
From our perspective on the VKRP Outreach and Support team, this time of year is also a natural moment for reflection, adjustment, and preparation as we move closer to spring. With VKRP rolling out within the new VAConnects system in Fall 2025, we know this school year has come with a learning curve. New systems take time, practice, and patience—and we want to sincerely thank educators and administrators across the state for the thoughtful feedback, flexibility, and collaboration you’ve shared along the way.
Please know that our team is continuously working behind the scenes to refine the system, respond to questions, and make improvements that support your assessment experience. As familiarity grows, we hope the connections between VKRP, LinkB5, and VALLSS within VAConnects are becoming clearer and more meaningful while helping create a more complete picture of early learning for students, families, and schools.
A Recap of Fall 2025
In Fall 2025, VKRP collected data from tens of thousands of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students across the Commonwealth in the areas of mathematics, self-regulation, and social skills using the new VAConnects platform. This integrated system is designed to support educators and leaders with timely, actionable insights while strengthening alignment across early childhood and early elementary systems. Additionally, having a single log in that integrates multiple initiatives is a perk! Educators and administrators have shared that they really appreciate how this simplifies their assessment and data use processes!
As we move through the mid-year and look ahead to spring, we are excited about the opportunities ahead—for continued learning, deeper understanding of the system, and stronger support for Virginia’s youngest learners.
What's Happening in the VKRP World Right Now
Here’s a quick look at current updates and what’s coming up:
Optional Mid-Year Assessment Term Underway
The optional mid-year assessment window is currently open. This mid-year timepoint is currently being used on an opt-in basis, and participating divisions and programs are using it in various capacities to align with their assessment and data goals. In response to winter weather impacts across Virginia, this term has been extended through February 20, 2026, offering additional flexibility for divisions and classrooms as schedules continue to stabilize.
Fall 2025 VKRP Data Snapshot Published
The recently released Fall 2025 VKRP Data Snapshot highlights key trends and early insights from the first term in VAConnects and underscores the important roles these data play in supporting instructional decision-making statewide. Additionally, it provides an overview of how young learners across Virginia began the school year in key areas of early development. This resource is designed to support reflection, planning, and conversations at the classroom, school, and division levels.
Planning Ahead for Spring
With the mid-year assessment term wrapping up in the coming weeks, preparation for the spring assessment window is already underway. Our team is completing recent materials orders, enhancing resources for the spring term, and gearing up to support divisions through guidance, reminders, and ongoing outreach to ensure a smooth and successful transition. As a reminder, the VKRP spring term will be open April 6 through May 15. Now would be a great time to review materials within your kits to get a head start on preparing!
As 2026 continues to unfold, we are excited about what lies ahead! As routines return and classrooms settle back into their rhythm, we are grateful to be partnering with you—supporting early learners across Virginia and working together to make VKRP a meaningful, effective tool for educators and administrators statewide.
More Questions for the VKRP Team? VKRP provides support via the online chat feature in VAConnects, via email at vkrp@virginia.edu, and via toll free at 866-301-8278.