Bedford County Public Schools offers the following preschool programs.
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
Virginia Preschool Initiative Programs (VPI) are grant funded programs that provide quality preschool opportunities for three- and four-year-old children. Currently, Bedford County has a total of thirteen VPI classrooms located throughout the county in our elementary schools.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Early Childhood Special Education programs (ECSE) are offered to children with disabilities, and the referral process is ongoing. ECSE classrooms provide students with the services they need while promoting inclusivity and collaboration with our other preschool programs.
Preschoolers Learning Together (PLT)
The Preschoolers Learning Together program is an option for children who do not qualify for our free preschool programs. This tuition-based program that allows typically developing children the opportunity to participate in a preschool program while serving as role models for children with disabilities. Children attend four days a week (Monday-Thursday) and tuition is $100.00 per month. Students must be at least 3 years old and cannot have turned 5 by September 30, 2023. Families must complete the Preschool Application Intake process for this program as well as a parent agreement. Children must participate in a developmental screening and a play date. Acceptance in this program is limited. Not all children who apply will be accepted.
Preschool programs are currently offered at the following schools. Program locations are subject to change based on need.
Virginia Preschool Initiative
Bedford Primary
Goodview Elementary
Huddleston Elementary
Moneta Elementary
Montvale Elementary
New London Academy
Stewartsville Elementary
Thomas Jefferson Elementary
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Bedford Primary
Goodview Elementary
New London Academy
Otter River Elementary
Thomas Jefferson Elementary
Preschoolers Learning Together (PLT)
Bedford Primary
Goodview Elementary
New London Academy
Otter River Elementary
Thomas Jefferson Elementary
Eligibility Requirements for the Virginia Preschool Initiative Program
- Family lives in Bedford City or County
- Child must have turned three or four years old by September 30 of the school year
- Family meets one or more eligibility criteria
- Income eligibility (At or below 200% 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines)
- One or both parents did not complete high school
- Family is experiencing homelessness
- Child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Family meets other locally established criteria listed on the application