Preschoolers Learning Together (PLT)

The Alexandria City Public Schools invites three- and four-year-old typically developing children to be included in three hour preschool classes for children with delays in their development. Typically developing 3- and 4-year-old children from the community serve as role models for language, play, social and physical skills for preschoolers with special needs. In return, they receive a free developmental screening and a quality early childhood program taught by a teacher with a degree in early childhood special education and a qualified para-professional.

Contact Information

Jane Richardson
Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
5651 Rayburn Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
Phone: 703-578-8217
Fax: 703-578-8218
E-mail:

Application Criteria of PLT program

  • Family is able to provide transportation for student to attend a half day class (8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or 11:20 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.) Monday through Friday.
  • Children must be two years, 6 months to four-years-old by September 30.
  • Children must pass a developmental screening and be observed by an ACPS preschool special education teacher.
  • Preference given to children who live within the school boundaries of Jefferson-Houston, Charles Barrett, and John Adams.
  • Preference given to children who have had no formal early childhood school experience.

Application Process

Step 1: Complete the PLT program application.

Step 2: Return completed application to the preschool site closest to your home:

  • Jefferson-Houston: Caitlyn Schnure or via e-mail to
  • Charles Barrett: Heather Chiles or via e-mail to
  • John Adams: Paula Craft or via e-mail to

Step 3: Participate in a Screening Event and Play Observation (view flier for more information).

Step 4: Receive notification by June 20, 2013. Parents must sign an agreement ensuring that their child will attend school five days a week, according to the school schedule. Parents must also register their child at the school and must provide transportation.

School Registration - required documentation for ACPS registration:

  • Two different documents showing Alexandria City residency (ex. a rent receipt, lease agreement, utility bill, or personal property tax receipt)
  • Child's original birth certificate (will be copied in the school office)
  • Proof that the adult registering the child is the parent or legal guardian (names on birth certificate matches the parent's picture ID or court documents of legal custody)
  • Completed Virginia School Entrance Health Form showing a physical examination given within 12 months prior to child's first day of school, showing required immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, and hepatitis B).
  • Results of PPD tuberculin skin test given within previous 12 months with dates received and read, or a written risk assessment statement from a licensed health care provider.