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Income-Based Eligibility

Free Preschool in Virginia

2026 eligibility, age requirements, and how to apply

Virginia's Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) / VPI+ is free for families earning below 200% of the federal poverty level. For a family of 4, that's roughly $64,300/year.

Age
4 years old by September 30
Income limit
Up to 200% FPL
Schedule
Full school day
Apply by
January through March

Virginia Free Preschool: Program Details

Program name
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) / VPI+
Age requirement
4 years old by September 30
Income limit
200% FPL or below
Schedule
Full school day (6 hours, 180 days)
Enrollment
January through March
Administered by
Virginia Department of Education

Do You Qualify? Income Check

Virginia uses 200% of the federal poverty level as its income threshold. FPL scales by household size.

Household size Annual income limit Monthly income limit
1 people $30,100/year $2,510/month
2 people $40,900/year $3,410/month
3 people $51,600/year $4,300/month
4 people (reference) $62,400/year $5,200/month
5 people $73,200/year $6,100/month
6+ people $83,900/year $6,990/month

Based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines at 200% FPL. Gross income before taxes. Contact Virginia Department of Education to confirm current thresholds.

How to Apply for Free Preschool in Virginia

Applications are handled by Virginia Department of Education.

1

Check age and income eligibility

Your child must be 4 years old by September 30. Gather recent pay stubs or tax returns to verify income.

2

Apply during enrollment window

Virginia pre-K enrollment typically runs January through March. Apply early — many programs fill quickly.

3

Choose a provider

Programs run through public schools and licensed childcare centers. A family of 4 earning up to about $62,000/year may qualify. Apply through your local school division. VPI+ offers wraparound care in some districts.

Apply through Virginia Department of →

What to know before you apply

  • • A family of 4 earning up to about $62,000/year may qualify. Apply through your local school division. VPI+ offers wraparound care in some districts.
  • • Even if your income is above the limit, your child may qualify based on developmental delays, English learner status, or other at-risk factors — ask when you apply.
  • • Head Start is a backup option if state seats run out. It serves families below 100% FPL and is federally funded nationwide.