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How to Complete a VPK Application for Your Child

Enrolling your child in an early childhood education program is exciting, but it’s also filled with lots of paperwork. It’s no wonder some parents joke about buying a stamp with their signature on it—the amount of paperwork can feel overwhelming and endless. Thankfully, the VPK application is simple and requires just a few minutes of your time. 

In this post, we’ll discuss how to complete a VPK application for your child so that you can enroll them in an approved program sooner rather than later.

What is the VPK Application?

The Florida voluntary prekindergarten application is a quick form you’ll need to complete to receive a voluntary prekindergarten voucher for your child. The application will ask you to enter:

 

  • Parent or guardian information: like name, ethnicity, and relationship to the child
  • Your child’s information: including their birthday, social security number, and whether or not your child is eligible for an IEP or 504 plan
  • Household information: including your home address, mailing address, and primary contact information
  • Program information: this is important to pay attention to, especially if your child is eligible to enroll in two academic years, depending on their birthday.

 

You’ll also be asked to upload a few required documents. Those documents include proof of Florida residency, like a copy of your utility bill and your child’s birth certificate or passport. 

The application should take about 15 minutes to complete, including scanning your required documents. Once you submit your application, you just need to wait for approval.

 

VPK Application Approval

The Florida Department of Early Learning takes about ten days to verify and approve your VPK application. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with your voucher attached. It’s important that you sign up with and enter an email address that you have access to so you can print your voucher later. 

 

After you receive your voucher, you can take it to any voluntary prekindergarten program. This program can be offered through your local public school, private school, or faith-based daycare—so long as they are an ELC-approved VPK provider. 

 

What’s more, you don’t need to enroll your child in the closest VPK to your home like you would do for public school. Your child can attend any approved Florida VPK program, regardless of location. This is helpful for parents who want to cut down on their daily commute times and enroll their children in a program closer to their work.

 

If you need help with the VPK application or have more questions, contact the Early Learning Coalition today.