Alexandria, Va- ALX Preschool, a network of programs providing high quality care and education to children, opens applications for families with children ages 3 and 4 on February 17. Families are encouraged to register their children for the upcoming school year.

To be eligible, the child must be 3 years old by September 30, reside in the City of Alexandria, and the family must meet the income eligibility guidelines.  Eligibility is determined through the online application, which is available in English, Amharic, Dari, Spanish and Arabic. Apply for ALX Preschool online and expect to be contacted by a registrar within 10 business days to continue the application process. Registrars walk parents through the enrollment process to alleviate registration challenges for families and childcare providers. 

Anyone in need of assistance with the application can call 703.746.5437 or email ALXPreschool@alexandriava.gov.

Research shows that kids who attend quality preschool in addition to the learning they do at home, have higher math and reading skills, are better prepared for kindergarten, have fewer behavioral problems in class, and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.

Through this coordinated enrollment system, eligible children are matched with one of 16 public and private providers in Alexandria, or the family is given a referral. Providers offer:

• Sites with varying hours to meet the needs of families.
• Evidence-based curriculums that emphasize language development, social skills, problem-solving skills and physical development.
• Early literacy, math, science, social studies, art, music and physical activities. 
• Diverse cultural experiences.
• Breakfast, lunch and snacks.
• Health and wellness services for children and families.

ALX Preschool is a collaborative approach by DCHS, ACPS, Center-based and Family Child Care homes to create a citywide coordinated enrollment system for children birth to 5. These stakeholders work together to build an equitable and accessible early care and education system. Kids First Years manages the collaboration and provides support and resources. Visit kidsfirstyears.org for more information.

Media Contact: Robin Crawley, Early Childhood Services Division Chief, Department of Community and Human Services,  robin.crawley@alexandriava.gov 703.887.8039

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For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Christina Damhuis at christina.damhuis@allexandriava.gov  or call 571.447.6566, Virginia Relay 711. If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available; please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.