VQB5 for Providers & Educators
What is VQB5?
The Virginia Quality Birth to 5 (VQB5) system recognizes that the first five years of a child’s life are crucial for brain development and that quality early childhood experiences provide the foundation for later success. Equitable access to quality early childhood opportunities, whether in public or private programs, is essential for preparing children for school and unlocking their full potential. VQB5, under the direction of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), recognizes the impact of every classroom, provides feedback to every educator, and supports all publicly funded birth-to-five programs in continuous quality improvement.
Ready Regions
The Virginia Board of Education created a network of nine regions, each led by a designated agency, to coordinate early childhood care and education (ECCE) services. These lead agencies oversee the VQB5 measurement and improvement system, support coordinated family access, and collaborate with community partners to connect families with young children to essential services and resources. Foundation First is the lead agency for Region 8 – North Central.
Measuring Quality In VQB5
VQB5 measures the quality of infant, toddler and preschool teaching and learning based on two nationally recognized quality indicators:
Interactions
Curriculum
VQB5 Participation Requirements
VQB5 sets shared expectations for measuring quality and supporting teachers for all publicly funded birth to five programs. Non publicly funded ECCE programs can elect to participate but must meet all other eligibility criteria and participate in all VQB5 requirements.
- Complete an annual registration between August 15 and October 1
- Registration consists of determining site and classroom eligibility and completing Administrator, Site, Classroom, and Educator profiles.
- Complete 2 local CLASS® observations (fall and spring) in every VQB5 eligible classroom annually
- Participate in at least 1 external observation for each age-level served between August 15 – May31 annually
Quality Profiles
VQB5 Quality Profiles include information about performance on quality measurements and other topics of interest to families, policymakers, and the general public.
View YOUR Site’s Quality Profile Here Is Your Center Participating in VQB5?