• Early Start Preschool Application

     

    The Early Start/VPI (Virginia Preschool Initiative) program is designed to reduce disparities

    among young children upon formal school entry and to reduce or eliminate risk factors that lead to early academic failure.  

    This program is for children who will be 4 years old by September 30, 2025, and need an extra year to prepare for kindergarten success.

    *Application Reminder: 

    Select “JK” as the enrolling grade*

     

    Acceptance Criteria

    Acceptance into the program is determined on eligibility criteria and identified risk factors, not on a first-come, first-served basis. 

    Eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to:

    • Family income

    • Family homelessness

    • Parents/guardians' level of education

    • Special Needs or Disability

    • Language and development assessment of the child

    • Other factors considered but have lower priority

    Accepted students are not guaranteed placement in a home-zoned school.  School placement will be determined based on Early Start zoning. Transportation is provided.

     

    2025–2026 Early Start Application

    The application for the 2025-2026 school year opens on February 10, 2025, and will remain open through May 23, 2025.

     It will reopen on May 24, 2025, for the waitlist only.  

    SEE BELOW FOR DETAILED STEPS ON HOW TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS

    -Please Read Thoroughly-

     

    Steps in the Application Process

     

    Step 1: Collect Documents

    Collect the documents you will need to complete the Early Start application process.

    1. Child’s original certified birth certificate

    2. Parent/Legal Guardian Driver’s License or State Identification Card

    3. Proof of Residence

      • One of the following:

        • Current lease agreement

        • Mortgage statement (dated within the last 30 days)

        • Electric bill  (dated within the last 30 days)

        • Gas bill  (dated within the last 30 days)

        • Water utility bill  (dated within the last 30 days)

    1. Proof of Income

      • Each employed Parent/Legal Guardian residing with the child must provide either:

        • W2 (2024)

        • 1099 (2024)

        • Two most recent pay stubs

        • Social security/disability income

        • Two most recent consecutive pay stubs

        • Unemployment Letter

        • Veteran’s Benefits

        • Retirement Income

    1. Other eligibility determination documents (if requested/applicable):

      • Court Ordered Custody documents

      • Court Child Support documents

      • Child’s Current IEP or Special Education Referral

      • Documentation of disability or medical condition of child

     

    Step 2: Log onto PowerSchool

    The Early Start application process requires families to complete the online registration process using a PowerSchool account.

    Directions for accessing PowerSchool are available below:

    • Families New to Suffolk Public Schools

      • Families new to Suffolk will need to create a new PowerSchool account. Click the link below and select “Create Account”.

    • Families with students already enrolled in Suffolk Public Schools

      • Families should log onto their PowerSchool account.  Click the link below to login.

    English Online Registration Form

    Spanish Online Registration Form 

     

    Step 3: Complete Application

    1. Select "New Student Registration 2025-2026"

    2. Enrolling Grade: Select “JK” as the enrolling grade

    3. Upload all required documents to PowerSchool to avoid a delay in the application.

     

    Step 4: Next Steps

    Once the Early Start Application is completed and submitted, a member of the Early Start team will contact you to schedule a screening appointment. 

    All applicants must attend a screening appointment to advance in the Early Start application process.

     

    Step 5: Selections & Notifications

    Tentative acceptance and waitlist letters will be emailed in April and June, shortly after your screening appointment.  

     

    Early Start FAQs