Virginia Beach schools report rising early childhood referrals, plan modest pre-K expansion

Virginia Beach City Public Schools officials outlined growth in early childhood referrals and described how the division funds and places prekindergarten students during an administrative workshop in February 2025.

The presentation, led by Dr. Myers Daub, executive director of the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children, and Laura Silverman, director of Title I programs, showed the preschool assessment center has seen a rising number of referrals over the past three school years and detailed how the division identifies and enrolls children in pre-K and early childhood special education programs.

Dr. Myers Daub said federal special-education rules shape the division's work: “Under part c of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, children with disabilities begin receiving services as infants and toddlers through the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia early intervention system.” She explained local staff receive notifications from Part C providers before a child turns 3 and “the school division then must complete the eligibility process and have an IEP in place prior to the third birthday or start of the school year.” Daub also noted the division reports this transition as Indicator 12 in its special education performance data.

Laura Silverman described the preschool assessment and pre-K program.…