The Department of Curriculum and Instruction
School Administration Building
1421 Kristina Way,
Chesapeake, VA, 23320.
(757) 494-7600
Kindergarten
We are proud to offer full-day kindergarten programs at all of our primary and elementary schools! Kindergarten enrollment is encouraged for all students who are 5 years old on or before September 30 of the academic school year. To learn more about eligibility requirements and the kindergarten enrollment process, please visit our kindergarten webpage.
Preschool Opportunities
Preschool learning includes classroom learning opportunities for children who are not old enough to go to kindergarten or elementary school. Chesapeake Public Schools offers access to several preschool programs that promote school-readiness with a focus on physical, motor and social and emotional development. Please note eligibility requirements for each opportunity.
Chesapeake Preschool Initiative
CPI is a FREE full-day program for children who will be four years old by September 30th and who live in Chesapeake.
The program is designed to give eligible children opportunities to create a firm educational foundation that can be used to achieve academic and social success.
For more information, visit our CPI webpage.
Contact CPI
Chesapeake Preschool Initiative (CPI):
Mrs. Lauren Perez
CPI Coordinator
Send an Email
Phone: 757-842-4099
Reverse Mainstream Program
The Reverse Mainstream Program is a district program that brings non-disabled children into Early Childhood Special Education classrooms serving children that have qualified for special education services. It allows a variety of children to learn and play together, builds self-esteem, develops acceptance of others, provides age-appropriate peer models, and includes age-appropriate activities.
For more information, visit our Reverse Mainstream webpage.
Early Childhood Assessment Team (ECAT) & Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Are you concerned that your 2 to 5 year old is delayed or has a disability? Contact the Early Childhood Assessment Team (ECAT) to schedule a meeting. ECAT will meet with you to discuss your concerns along with the special education and eligibility process for our youngest learners.
Young students who have been found eligible for special education services may attend classes that provide early childhood special education. Early Childhood Special Education classrooms provide services for students age 2 to 5 through an Individualized Educational Program (IEP). Daily instruction is designed to address specific weaknesses, build on the strengths of each child, and services are individualized for each child. The program is cost-free for eligible students.
Contact ECSE
Office of Exceptional Learning
Edwards-Wilson Center
Lindsey Gove
Special Education Administrator
Email Lindsey Gove
📞(757)494-7600
Fax: 757-494-7573
Contact ECAT
Office of Exceptional Learning
Edwards-Wilson Center
Kristine Starkey
Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
Email Kristine Starkey
📞(757)494-7600
Fax: 757-494-7573
Head Start Preschool And Early Head Start Services
Head Start is a federally-funded program that works directly with localities. The Virginia Head Start State Collaboration Project oversees the program and represents its interests on the state level.
For HRCAP Head Start 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool opportunities, please call (757) 673-0548 or visit hrcapinc.org.
Contact Head Start
Head Start
Office of Human Affairs
3303 Airline Blvd. Suite 1-A
Portsmouth, VA 23701
Phone: 757-673-0548
Fax: 757-673-0645