Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Preschool Accountability topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Prince George preschool programs meet state 'VQB5' expectations, officials say
Summary
Division preschool classrooms scored in the 'meets expectations' range under the Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5) system, with local observers and teachers praising classroom practice and noting the statewide average for site scores.
Prince George County preschool programs received “meets expectations” ratings under Virginia’s Quality Birth to 5 (VQB5) system, district staff told the school board on Jan. 13.
Ms. Germanos and Ms. Mitchell explained the VQB5 process: preschools that accept state or federal funds must use a vetted curriculum and submit classroom observations scored with the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) tool. Observers certified in CLASS conduct four 20-minute observation intervals and score teacher–child interactions across emotional support, classroom organization and instructional support. Those dimension scores are averaged to produce site ratings.
Mitchell said Prince George’s sites scored well and that the division’s average exceeded the statewide site average of 5.88, placing local sites in the “meets expectations” category on the VQB5 public profile. She described coaching follow-ups and division-led professional development that use observation results to improve practice.
Board members asked how students are selected for VPI (Virginia Preschool Initiative) and were told eligibility includes families at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, homelessness, a parent who did not graduate high school, and children with IEPs; additionally local criteria can fill up to 15% of slots. Officials said the division expanded from five to nine VPI classrooms with new funding and emphasized the role of teachers and paraprofessionals in achieving the scores.
Superintendent Lyle and board members celebrated the results and asked staff to continue sharing observation and coaching outcomes with the board.
