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5.6 Participation in Virginia Quality Birth to 5 System (VQB5)

In alignment with Virginia state law, the Unified Virginia Quality Birth to Five System (VQB5) has been fully implemented to enhance early childhood education quality across the Commonwealth. VQB5 assesses program quality using two nationally recognized indicators: • Teacher-Child Interactions: Measured through the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), with both local and external observations conducted annually • Curriculum Use: While optional, programs are encouraged to implement comprehensive curricula aligned with Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards Participation in VQB5 is mandatory for all publicly-funded birth-to-five programs, including providers that participate in the CCSP. CCSP-approved providers are expected to meet participation requirements each year, including completing the annual fall registration process and receiving local and external CLASS observations for each classroom. Additional information on participation requirements are available at https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/early-childhood-care- education/vqb5-participation-requirements.

As a result of participation in VQB5, sites receive: • Strengthened Quality: Educators and leaders will receive individualized feedback and support, training, and resources to help improve interactions and access to curriculum. • Public Recognition: Quality profiles will be posted publicly each fall on the EarlyChildhood.Quality.doe.virginia.gov website. All programs will receive a certificate.

For more information about participating in VQB5 and preparing for observations, sites should contact their local Ready Region. Questions about VQB5 Participation Requirements may be directed to VQB5@doe.virginia.gov.