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
• Share the final report at the School Board Work Session on June 2, 2026

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