Contact 
Calendars
Careers
Engage 
District
We are accepting applications for all of our PreK program! If a program is full, your child will be added to the waitlist. Seats will be offered when they become available. Complete your SchoolMint application here!
Early Childhood
APS offers four high-quality early childhood programs for children ages 2 years and 6 months through 5.
PROCESS FOR VIRGINIA PRESCHOOL INITIATIVE (VPI ) APPLICATIONS
- Required Phone Screening: to Determine Eligibility
- Call 703-228-8000; option 1.
- In-person appointment for Eligible Families: to submit required documents and complete the application with APS staff. VPI applications can only be submitted with APS staff during the in-person appointment.
VPI Required Documents: English |Español | Монгол | አማርኛ | العربية
Learn More!
Each of our early childhood programs is grounded in the mission of preparing learners for long-term social-emotional well-being and academic success. Our Pre-K programs provide nurturing and engaging learning environments where curiosity is encouraged, and foundational academic and social skills are cultivated. Our Pre-K programs are led by dedicated educators who understand the unique needs of young children and partner closely with families to foster growth both in and out of the classroom.
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
VPI is a free program for 4 year old students who meet program eligibility guidelines.
Community Peer Program (CPP)
CPP provides children with and without disabilities the opportunity to participate in an inclusive preschool program.
Early Childhood Programs at Yorktown and Arlington Career Center/Grace Hopper
Lab preschool classrooms providing a hands-on learning environment for high school students enrolled in Early Childhood Education courses.
Child Find Office
The Child Find process is a part of the APS Department of Student Services and Office of Special Education. Children with suspected delays, such as in the areas of cognition, communication, hearing, vision, social-emotional skills, and/or motor skills, are referred to a student study committee to determine whether the child requires assessment for consideration of eligibility for special education services. To learn more, contact the APS Child Find Office at 703-228-2550.
Find out more about Pre-K Special Education at APS.
Kindergarten Program
Arlington Public Schools (APS) offers a high quality, developmentally appropriate kindergarten program. This full-day program is designed to meet the emotional, social, physical, and academic needs of all children and is based on the Virginia State Standards.
Contact
Office of Early Childhood
Syphax Education Center
2110 Washington Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22204
For assistance with PreK program applications, contact the APS Welcome Center at 703-228-8000 and select option 1.
Additional Resources
Head Start – Northern Virginia Family Services
Northern Virginia Family Services’ Head Start program serves families of children ages 3-5 years old that meet income requirements, to enhance and promote social cognitive, physical, and emotional development and help children toward educational literacy as they prepare to enter public school.Please contact Anisah Bailey at 571-748-2793 for enrollment questions and information.
Arlington County Office of Child & Family Services
The Arlington County Office of Child & Family Services serves over 200 private preschool and daycare providers. View a complete list of childcare options.