Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Comprehensive Standards for Four Year Olds

Location: Virginia, US

Authors: Office of Humanities and Early Childhood, Virginia Department of Education

Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Learning provides a measurable range of skills and knowledge essential for four-year-olds to be successful in kindergarten. The purpose is to provide early childhood educators a set of minimum standards in literacy, mathematics, science, history and social science, health and physical development, personal and social development, music, and the visual arts, with indicators of success for entering kindergarten that are derived from scientifically-based research. The standards also aligned with Virginia’s Kindergarten Standards of Learning (SOL) and Virginia’s Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS).

The Standards are organized for use as a tool for early childhood educators in developing curriculum and meaningful classroom activities for every child. Observant and responsive teachers adapt the curriculum, learning environment, and materials and equipment to meet the needs of children in their programs.

The Standards are set up with Foundation Blocks and following the Foundation Blocks are expectation indicators. Although subject area blocks are presented separately, teachers are encouraged to integrate learning across subjects. Curriculum integration enables preschool teachers to identify the connections within and among the content areas, and to provide a relevant context for children’s engagement in learning. The priority is to encourage growing independence through a broad range of activities and experiences that promote children’s developing competence. The Foundation Blocks provide practical application within and across content areas to promote quality teaching and learning.

For more information, visit the Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Comprehensive Standards for Four Year Olds website.