The school division’s department of research and evaluation presented a pre‑kindergarten program evaluation readiness report Aug. 12, recommending a two‑year evaluation focused first on implementation and then on student outcomes and transition to kindergarten.

Background and funding: the VBCPS pre‑K program, supported by the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) and federal Title I funds, serves at‑risk four‑year‑olds. The division explained that in 2024‑25 there were 53 pre‑K classrooms across 30 elementary sites with a capacity of 954 seats and 987 students served during the year; the program will expand to 1,008 seats in 2025‑26.

Evaluation goals and measures: the evaluation readiness committee and program staff proposed one primary implementation goal (developmentally appropriate, student‑centered classrooms) measured using CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) domains — emotional supports, classroom organization and instructional support — plus two outcome goals: student growth in literacy/language, numeracy and self‑regulation, and successful transition to kindergarten (measured by parent perceptions and early kindergarten benchmarks). The committee recommended Year 1 (2025‑26) focus on implementation and Year 2 on outcomes and follow‑up of former pre‑K students in kindergarten.

Baseline data and response rate: staff reported a 33% response rate from pre‑K staff on supplemental survey items; survey respondents agreed that classrooms are positive and prepare students for kindergarten. Staff told the board that future surveys will be targeted directly to pre‑K teachers and teacher assistants to improve response rates and that the evaluation will include parent perception data and classroom observation metrics.

Board questions and next steps: board members asked about measures for self‑regulation (child behavior rating scales and VKRP referenced) and supports for integrating ECSE students; staff said supplemental professional learning and co‑teaching supports will be provided. The evaluation plan will be presented for board approval and annual results and recommendations returned after each year of evaluation.