The years before a child enters kindergarten directly impact a child’s ability to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. School Readiness means preparing all children for kindergarten by supporting birth-to-age-five programming, including the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI/Smart Start). Virginia's focus includes key classroom practices such as the use of high-quality curriculum and assessment, teacher-child interactions and individualized professional development. It also includes strengthening family engagement.

Through generous grant funding provided by the Virginia Department of Education, Amherst County Public Schools is able to provide programming for eligible four year olds.  Amherst County Public Schools also partners with Ready Region Southside and Lyn-CAG Head Start in order to provide various preschool opportunities for three and four year olds as well. Acceptance for all programs are based on eligibility and availability of slots. Additional information is provided below.

If your child is accepted, you must provide:

• A copy of your child's state birth certificate
• A copy of the four page “Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form” (MCH 213G) from your doctor which includes a well-child check and the child’s immunization record.
• Proof of County residency

If you would like to apply for the remainder of the current school year, please contact our office at (434) 946-9341.