VKRP's Impact
The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) began in 2013 and has expanded statewide in kindergarten, beginning in the fall of 2019. Presently, VKRP is required in all 132 school divisions in kindergarten classrooms across the Commonwealth.
Additionally, starting 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, starting in pre-kindergarten and continuing throughout kindergarten.
Thanks to VKRP, we know...
What factors promote school readiness
We know more about the positive association that pre-kindergarten has with school readiness, especially for students from low-income backgrounds.
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 in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.
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 access to resources to support their own practice and student learning. At the same time, 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.
We know more about the readiness disparities and the positive association that pre-kindergarten opportunities have with school readiness, especially for children coming from low-income backgrounds.
Children who experience pre-kindergarten enter kindergarten demonstrating stronger school readiness skills. This is especially true for children from low-income backgrounds, who are 1.5 times more likely to be ready for kindergarten if they attend public pre-kindergarten, compared to their peers who do not attend pre-kindergarten.
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.
