EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION

If you have moved into King George County and your preschooler already has an IEP, please contact our office to schedule a meeting.

VIRGINIA PRESCHOOL INITIATIVE & HEAD START

The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) distributes state funds to schools and community-based organizations to provide quality preschool programs for at-risk four-year-olds unserved by the federal Head Start program. The purpose of the grant is to reduce disparities among young children upon formal school entry and to reduce or eliminate those risk factors that lead to early academic failure.

Head Start is a federal program that promotes school readiness for children birth to age five. Head Start is a child-centered, family focused,  comprehensive and community-based program providing high quality services to promote academic, physical, social and emotional development for income-eligible children and their families. 

We offer both Head Start for 3 nd 4 year olds and Virginia Preschool Initiative to 4 year-olds who qualify. Please apply here using our shared application link for both Head Start and VPI. First time applicants must register online. 

Head Start and VPI Apply Here
Head Start and VPI applications for the current school year and the school year 25-26 are being accepted!
2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR application ARE NOW OPEN! Please be sure to click the correct school year when applying 

As part of the Full Enrollment Initiative from the Office of Head Start, it’s crucial that we reach and maintain full enrollment across our program. To support this, effective immediately, we will begin implementing mixed-age classrooms at King George, combining both 3- and 4-year-olds.

Our priority will be to enroll 4-year-olds first, ensuring they receive a preschool experience before entering kindergarten. For any enrolled 3-year-olds, they will roll over and remain with Head Start the following year.

King George shares the application with Fredericksburg city schools, do not be alarmed when the application link takes you there. Thank you!
Contact Information

Laurie Wages,
King George County Schools Preschool Coordinator
540-775-5411
[email protected]

Laura Dove,
Director of Head Start
540-372-1065
[email protected]

Cynthia Chance, King George Family Service Coordinator-Head Start
540-775-8626
[email protected]

PEER MODEL PROGRAM

The Peer Model Program allows preschoolers without disabilities the opportunity to participate in the early childhood class and to learn through the experiences in the classroom.

By participating in classroom activities, the peer model serves as a role model to the other students by demonstrating appropriate play, communication and social skills.

The purpose of the Peer Model Program is to:

➢ develop age appropriate peer relationships

➢ promote community relationships during early childhood

➢ provide a learning environment rich in diversity

➢ educate children with disabilities with typically developing peers

➢ develop, within the learning environment and learning within the community, the understanding

that all children have strengths and make contributions to their world

➢ provide a literature-rich, language-based environment that supports the development of children with varied strengths and abilities.

At this time, we are no longer accepting peer model applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Please check back at a later time to see if we have more openings available. You may also email Laurie Wages at [email protected] if you would like to be considered for a wait list.

Thank you!