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Curriculum

Preschool Curriculum

RPS is proud to offer more than 600 pre-kindergarten seats to eligible three- and four-year olds residing in Richmond City. Additionally, RPS offers Early Head Start for eligible children as young as six weeks at centers throughout the City. 

RPS Preschool is free of charge to families, includes daily meals and free transportation, and is staffed by certified RPS teachers. RPS preschool classrooms follow The Creative Curriculum to teach literacy, math, and social skills within a purposeful, play-based model. With exploration and discovery as a pathway for learning, students gain confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills, and lifelong critical thinking skills.

Additionally, our teachers incorporate Al’s Pals strategies into daily instruction to help students identify and express their feelings, manage impulses and behaviors, show kindness, and copy in healthy ways. 

RPS Preschool has three types of classrooms, all located within our preschools and elementary schools. While distinct, each shares curriculum and goals, and teachers are trained together and work collaboratively. 
 

Head Start & Early Head Start

Head Start is a national, federally funded program that provides comprehensive services to low-income young children and their families, starting at six weeks of age. Children receive a developmentally appropriate educational experience, and families receive access to programming that increases family self-sufficiency and encourages their development to their full potential.

Virginia Preschool Initiative

VPI is a state-funded program that provides the majority of RPS Preschool’s funds. VPI provides quality preschool education, comprehensive health services, and family engagement to qualified three- and four-year-olds. All VPI programs participate in Virginia’s Quality Birth to Five System, and families can view individual centers’ quality reports here.

Early Childhood Special Education

RPS also offers Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services to children ages 2-5 who may have a delay or disability. These services are provided within the RPS preschool setting. To learn more, make a referral, or start the evaluation process, please contact the RPS Preschool Reception and Diagnostic Services Center at 804-780-8058 (En Espanol: 804-293-2701). All evaluations take place at Maymont Preschool.

Enroll Here

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