Voices proudly supports this bill’s commitment to universal access to evidence-based Head Start and Early Head Start programs for all eligible families across the Commonwealth. By directing the Head Start State Collaboration Office to develop a comprehensive, well-resourced plan that expands capacity, strengthens the early childhood workforce, and leverages innovative funding models, this legislation takes a critical step toward ensuring every child has a strong, equitable start in life.

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HB 211 takes a vital step in strengthening Virginia’s early childhood care and education system by taking a clear, informed look at the current state of Head Start and Early Head Start across the Commonwealth and aiming to fortify it. At the core, Head Start provides a comprehensive and high-quality pre-k curriculum in a safe and warm learning environment for our most vulnerable children. Beyond the classroom, Head Start is truly a wrap-around service providing families with support to promote their physical and emotional health, mental wellness, and even financial well being. When families have access to Head Start services, children enter elementary school healthier, more prepared, and are more likely to succeed long term. HB 211 is critical for the future of Head Start in the state of Virginia. Nationally, there is a need for stronger state-level investment and coordination, especially as federal funding continues to wane. This bill lays the groundwork for exactly that by helping Virginia understand just how much the support is needed and how to responsibly maximize and protect this beloved program. Head Start’s mission statement is “to promote the school readiness of children from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development in learning environments”. HB 211 supports this mission by expanding and strengthening Head Start in Virginia, as this state-level support is needed now more than ever. When Head Start is strong, families are empowered and when families are empowered, children thrive. I respectfully urge you to support this bill. Thank you for your time and commitment to Virginia’s children and families.

ODACS does not take a position on HB 211. However, we would caution the subcommittee about the persistent safety gap that exists between licensed childcare in Virginia and Religiously Exempt childcare in Virginia. Contrary to conventional thought, Religiously Exempt centers are statistically safer than licensed centers. For example, according to data collected by the Department of Social Services, from 2021 to 2024, there were 175 founded cases of child abuse that occurred in licensed centers in Virginia. In the same 3-year period in Religiously Exempt childcare settings, there were 8 founded cases of child abuse. HB 211 would dramatically expand licensed childcare in our state. In our opinion, it is highly imprudent to do so without at least acknowledging the safety gap, let alone addressing it.

Early prevention and support are absolutely critical for children, especially those from underserved communities. Programs like Head Start provide children with access to early education, health screenings, and social-emotional support before they enter kindergarten. These early interventions lay the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. As a School Psychologist, I have seen firsthand how early support makes a difference. Children who have access to high-quality early learning programs are more prepared for school, develop stronger social-emotional skills, and are better able to engage in learning from the very first day. Head Start also provides families with resources and guidance that support their child’s development, creating a strong home-school connection that benefits children well beyond the classroom. Universal access to Head Start would ensure that all children, regardless of background, have the opportunity to start school ready to succeed.

The Virginia Head Start Association (VAHSA) supports this legislation directing the Head Start State Collaboration Office to develop a plan to maximize state support to Head Start and Early Head Start in Virginia. Establishing this goal reflects Virginia’s commitment to evidence-based early childhood services and coordinated state support for federally funded programs. We support the bill’s focus on capacity expansion, sustainable funding, and workforce stability, and look forward to continued collaboration with the General Assembly and state partners to strengthen and expand Head Start across Virginia. Submitted by Dawn Ault, VAHSA Executive Director

Affordability? Who is paying for all this? This is setting up fraud, waste, and abuse, on the Somali/Minn. level.

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The attached letter is in support of HB 255.

I am writing in strong support of HB255 the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists and the Commonwealth’s membership in this compact. I work in a Title I school and see our students coming to school with increasing academic, behavioral, and mental health needs which for many of them, school is the main place where they receive support. When schools don’t have enough qualified professionals, all students suffer and cannot be effectively supported. School psychologists play a critical role in helping students succeed. In Title I settings especially, the demand for these services is constant, and it often feels like we’re trying to do more with less. School psychologists are also a necessary part of identifying students with disabilities. As referrals continue to increase, delays in evaluation and identification directly affect students’ ability to access services and supports they are legally entitled to receive. These delays have real consequences for students and families, particularly those who already face barriers. Right now, school psychologists are in high demand across districts and are often not staffed in alignment with NASP-recommended ratios of one school psychologist per 500 -700 students. Many of us are responsible for far more students than is reasonable, which limits the level of support we can realistically provide. HB255 is an important step toward addressing these shortages. By increasing workforce mobility and supporting recruitment and retention, this compact would help schools better meet students’ needs. Our students cannot wait for support. I urge support for HB255 for the students I work with every day and the schools that are trying their best to serve them.

Dear Chair Convirs-Fowler: I am a school psychologist in Fairfax, Virginia and would like to express my support for HB255.  As a School Psychologist for more than thirty years I have helped children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. In collaboration with families and other school staff, we help create safe and supportive learning environments in which all students can thrive.  I have taken an active role supporting students with behavioral and emotional and challenges, which benefits their wellbeing and ability to connect and engage with peers and adults in the classroom.   I currently work in Fairfax County Public Schools, and like many other areas in our state, we have a shortage of school psychologists and other educators.  Staffing shortages significantly impact our ability to provide preventative and essential supports to students.   The Interstate Compact for School Psychologists would significantly benefit our state, and me personally as a school psychologist. Importantly, this Compact promotes efficiency while upholding a high standard of school psychology practice. Importantly, this legislation benefits our military families and enables military connected school psychologists to easily continue in their career following a permanent change of station. I urge you to support this legislation.  Thank your for your consideration.    Respectfully,  Jill Cory McNeil

Dear Chair Convirs-Fowler: I am a school psychologist in Virginia, and I wish to voice my support for HB255, School Psychologists, Interstate Compact for; membership of the Commonwealth into compact. School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. In collaboration with families and other school staff, we help create safe and supportive learning environments in which all students can thrive. I work specifically in alternative school settings, and with military-connected youth, and access to our services benefits the lives of many children across the commonwealth. I currently work in Fairfax County Public Schools, serving in an alternative high school setting. Like many other areas in our state, we have a shortage of school psychologists and other educators. When I was working in a general education setting, I would typically serve about 1,500 students which is three times the recommended ratio of 1:500. When our ratios are that high, we are not able to spend as much time in direct services with students, such as engaging in counseling and risk prevention. The Interstate Compact for School Psychologists would significantly benefit our state, and me personally as a school psychologist. I am a military spouse, and my husband has spent twenty years in the Air Force. Due to his role, we typically move every two to three years. I hold licenses across four states, and with each move, have had to incur barriers and costs to find new employment. Ninety percent of military spouses are underemployed, and while there is a shortage and need for more school psychologists, the logistics of licensure can be difficult to navigate. Importantly, this legislation benefits our military families and enables military connected school psychologists to easily continue in their career following a permanent change of station. I urge you to support this legislation. Thank you for your time and consideration Sincerely, Leigh E. Birge

Dear Chair Convirs-Fowler and Committee members: I am a school psychologist in Virginia and I wish to voice my support for HB255, School Psychologists, Interstate Compact for; membership of the Commonwealth into compact. School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. In collaboration with families and other school staff, we help create safe and supportive learning environments in which all students can thrive. I currently work as a public School Psychologist in rural, southern Virginia school districts. Like many other areas in our state, we have a real shortage of school psychologists and other educators. I currently serve 2,500+ students, which is 5 times the recommended ratio of 1:500. It is an impossible task! The Interstate Compact for School Psychologists would significantly benefit our state, and me personally as a school psychologist. Importantly, this Compact promotes efficiency while upholding a high standard of school psychology practice. Importantly, this legislation benefits our military families and enables military connected school psychologists to easily continue in their career following a permanent change of station. I urge you to support this legislation! Thank you!