ACPS to Expand Preschool Programming in Partnership with United Way of Greater Charlottesville

New partnership will add more than 50 additional preschool seats for eligible Albemarle County families.

By Albemarle County Public Schools

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS), in partnership with the United Way of Greater Charlottesville (UWGC), plans to expand early learning opportunities for more than 100 preschool-age students across the county. 

Head Start, a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides free and comprehensive early learning and family support services to families who meet certain federal income guidelines. The Office of Head Start appointed UWGC as the regional grantee to oversee early education and care for pre-school-aged children in Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson counties. 

As a sub-recipient of the grant, ACPS is able to expand preschool services. In addition to the 45 students previously enrolled in Community Development Institute (CDI) at Agnor, Crozet and Greer elementary schools, ACPS will offer an additional 57 seats, including 20 seats at Woodbrook Elementary, 18 seats at Agnor Elementary, and 18 seats at Greer Elementary, to eligible families beginning mid-November.

“Preschool programs like Head Start have a proven, lifelong impact on students’ academic and social success,” said Lisa Molinaro, Preschool Coordinator for ACPS. “This partnership ensures that young children in Albemarle County can continue learning in nurturing, developmentally appropriate environments that set them up for success in school and beyond.”

By funding Head Start programs within Albemarle County, this partnership helps alleviate financial strain on families who might otherwise face high childcare costs while giving area children the chance to build strong foundations for learning in literacy and math, begin developing early social-emotional skills and receive other care like health screenings and nutrition services.

UWGC’s award reflects months of collaboration and planning at the federal, state and local levels to ensure that high-quality early education services remain accessible in the region. 

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor for our organization and community,” said Ravi Cooper, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Charlottesville. “It represents a deep commitment to ensuring that every child in our region has the opportunity to thrive.”

Through this collaboration, ACPS and UWGC strive to close opportunity gaps, strengthen early learning pathways, and give every child the best possible start. Together, they are building a foundation not only for kindergarten readiness but also for long-term success in school and in life.