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Parents are a child’s first teacher, and our school system intends to build on that principle.

Here in Lunenburg County Public Schools (LCPS), we pride ourselves in partnering with parents to provide a quality education for all students, which starts with our Pre-K program. High-quality, early experiences are the key to children’s academic and social-emotional success. An investment in the early years of life is one of the best investments we can make.

Children in effective early childhood programs are more likely to finish college, get higher paying jobs, and to be healthier and happier in life.

In Virginia, there is an increased investment in early childhood education. On July 24, 2019 Governor Ralph Northam signed an Executive Directive Four, which ensures all at-risk 3 and 4 year olds in Virginia will have access to a publicly-subsidized care and education option by 2025. This directive will enhance the Pre-K Program (Virginia Preschool Initiative) and increase access to at-risk 4 year olds and allow local school divisions to expand their local criteria.

What does this mean for Lunenburg? All parents of children who will be 4 years old on or before September 30, 2020 are encouraged to apply for the LCPS Pre-K Program. Depending upon applications received and availability of funds, there is a strong possibility that Pre-K classes could be offered at both Kenbridge and Victoria elementary schools. LCPS is applying for a waiver which would allow more students to qualify under local criteria. However, we may not be notified of our acceptance until July 1. It will all depend upon how many applications we receive.

LCPS would like to reach as many 4 year olds as possible. The application is currently available at each elementary school and online at www.lunenburgcountyschools.org.

The deadline to apply for the program is March 13, 2020. Our screening day is April 10, 2020. LCPS is committed to expanding early childhood education so our students can be successful in school and life.

Dawn Bacon is the director of curriculum and instruction at Lunenburg County Public Schools. She can be reached at dawn.bacon@k12lcps.org.