Early Childhood Workgroup

Purpose: To explore and evaluate the future of early childhood education in Arlington Public Schools (APS), with a focus on inclusive PreK programs and the potential development of Early Childhood Centers. The group will deliver a comprehensive recommendation to the APS School Board in June 2026.

Guiding Questions:

• What are the most critical needs and priorities for early childhood education in our division?
• How effectively do our current early childhood programs serve all students, particularly those with disabilities, and what gaps exist in access, quality, and inclusivity?
• What are the essential components of a high-quality, inclusive PreK program that prepares all children for kindergarten success in APS?
• How do center-based and school-based delivery models compare in terms of operational feasibility, educational outcomes, family access, and cost-effectiveness for our division?

Membership:

• Parents/ Community Members, including possible representation from: Advisory Council of Teaching and Learning (ACTL), County Council of Parent Teacher Association (CCPTA) Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA), and the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC)·
• APS Staff, including possible representation from Arlington School Administrators (ASA) and Arlington Education Association (AEA)

Timeline:

• Recruit members through interest survey through APS Friday Five on October 17th and 24th
• Review submissions to determine work group membership
• Send notification to members by Friday, October 31st
• Kickoff work group on November 12th at 6:30 – 8:00 pm (in-person) at Syphax Center
• Share the final report at the School Board Work Session on June 2, 2026

Please complete this interest form by Fri, Oct. 24, if you are interested in joining this work group.

Meetings will be held monthly, with focused agendas and clear deliverables