Hampton Roads Programs

No Cost, Quality Education Programs

If you’re in search of quality, early care and education programs available to eligible families at no-cost, you’ve come to the right place. Use the links below to explore these programs.

Diverse group of preschool children raising their hands

Head Start/Head Start

Head Start programs support children's growth from birth to age 5 through school-day/school-year services that support early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes.

Head Start services are available at no cost to children ages birth to 5 in eligible families. Head Start services work with families with children ages 3 to 5, and many also serve expectant families. 

Many programs operate both Head Start preschool and Early Head Start services. Programs deliver child development services in center-based, home-based, or family child care settings. All Head Start programs continually work toward our mission for eligible children and families to receive high-quality services in safe and healthy settings that prepare children for school and life.

Eligibility: 0-4 years old; Child must be of age by September 30.

  • Family income is at or below 100% of federal poverty guidelines.
  • Family is homeless.
  • Family is eligible for public assistance (TANF, SSI or SNAP).
  • Child is in foster care.

Head Start ServicesChesapeake, Norfolk and Portsmouth

Visit the Hampton Roads Community Action Program website to enroll in Head Start services in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Head Start ServicesVirginia Beach

Visit the Mile High Kids and Community Development, Inc. website to enroll in Head Start services in Virginia Beach.

Mixed Delivery

Mixed Delivery is an opportunity for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds to participate in full-day, full-year preschool. Mixed Delivery VS. Child Care Subsidy Program

To explore Mixed Delivery Programs in your local area, download our 2023-24 Mixed Delivery brochure

Children will attend publicly-funded preschool in private settings, guided by family choice. Children will make friends and build relationships with nurturing teachers who will help them grow across all areas of development: physical, cognitive, and social-emotional.

Children in Mixed Delivery classrooms will have access to the same quality features that are available in other publicly-funded preschool classrooms, such as the use of a Virginia Department of Education approved curriculum that meets children’s needs and educators who receive professional supports. Preschool/PreK students are assessed at least twice a year. 

Eligibility: Infants, Toddlers, 2’s, 3’s and 4 years of age; Child must be of age by September 30.

  • Family income is at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines (view chart with percentages of the guidelines).
  • Family is homeless.
  • Parents/Guardians did not complete high school.
  • Child has an identified disability or is receiving services through early intervention.
  • Child is determined eligible by local eligibility criteria that are specific to the Mixed Delivery service area.

Mixed Delivery ProgramsChesapeake

Children's Harbor

Address:
2400 Strawberry Lane
Chesapeake, VA 23324

 

Contact: Shelly Byers

 

Light Years Child Development

Address:
712 Liberty Street
Chesapeake, VA 23324

 

Contact: Babbette Woodbury

 

Mixed Delivery ProgramsNorfolk

Blue Ribbon Results Academy

Contact:  Horace Lambert III

 

Address:
883 Norfolk Square
Norfolk, VA 23502

 

Children's Harbor

Contact: Shelly Byers

 

Address:
1900 Llewellyn Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23517

 

Light Years Child Development

Contact: Babbette Woodbury

 

Address:
725 East Liberty Street
Norfolk, VA 23523

 

Mixed Delivery ProgramsPortsmouth

Children's Harbor

Contact: Shelly Byers

 

Address:
620 London Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704

 

Creative Learners Academy

Contact: Theresa Roseborough

  • Phone: 757.485.3589 
  • Email: creativelearnersacademy2020@gmail.com

 

Address:
3200 Victory Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA 23702

 

Toddler Time Child Development Center

Contact: Theresa Cox-Ford

 

Address:
603 Hansen Avenue
Portsmouth, VA 23701

Mixed Delivery ProgramsVirginia Beach

Armed Services YMCA

Contact: Tessa Davis

 

Address
1465 Lakeside Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

 

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation

Contact: Jennifer Forrest

 

Bow Creek

Address:
3427 Club House Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

 

Williams Farm

Address:
5252 Learning Circle
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

 

Kiddie Academy of Pembroke

Contact: Adedoyin Alatise

 

Address
4520 Professional Circle
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

 

Virginia Preschool Initiative

The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) provides high-quality school-day/school-year preschool education for children that have been identified as at-risk. Through a focus on advancing effective interaction and instruction, VPI programs help ensure all Virginia children enter school fully prepared for success. 

Eligibility: *4 years old; Child must be of age by September 30.

  • Family income is at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines (view chart with percentages of the guidelines).
  • Family is homeless.
  • Parents/Guardians did not complete high school.
  • Child has an identified disability or is receiving services through early intervention.
  • Child is determined eligible by local eligibility criteria that are specific to the VPI service area.

*Some VPI programs serve children 3 years old.

RegistrationChesapeake Public Schools

Visit the Chesapeake Public Schools website to learn more and register. 

  • B.M. Williams Primary School
  • Cedar Road Camelot Elementary School
  • Georgetown Primary School
  • Rena B. Wright Primary School
  • Southwestern Elementary School
  • Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
  • Western Branch Primary School

RegistrationNorfolk Public Schools

Visit the Norfolk Public Schools to learn more and register. 

  • PB Young
  • Richard Bowling
  • Chesterfield
  • Coleman Place
  • Ingleside
  • Jacox
  • James Monroe
  • Suburban Park

RegistrationPortsmouth Public Schools

Visit the Portsmouth Public Schools website to learn more and register. 

  • Churchland Elementary School
  • Mt. Hermon Elementary School
  • Olive Branch Elementary School

RegistrationVirginia Beach City Public Schools

Visit the Virginia Beach City Public Schools website to learn more and register. 

  • Arrowhead Elementary School
  • Bayside Elementary School
  • Bettie F. Williams Elementary School
  • Birdneck Elementary School
  • Christopher Farms Elementary School
  • College Park Elementary School
  • Cooke Elementary School
  • Diamond Springs Elementary School
  • Glenwood Elementary School
  • Holland Elementary School
  • Kempsville Elementary School
  • Kempsville Meadows Elementary School
  • Linkhorn Park Elementary School
  • Luxford Elementary School
  • Lynnhaven Elementary School
  • Malibu Elementary School
  • Ocean Lakes Elementary School
  • Parkway Elementary School
  • Pembroke Meadows Elementary School
  • Providence Elementary School
  • Rosemont Elementary School
  • Salem Elementary School
  • Shelton Park Elementary School
  • Three Oaks Elementary School
  • Trantwood Elementary School
  • White Oaks Elementary School
  • Windsor Woods Elementary School