Voluntary Prekindergarten
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a FREE early learning program for all 4-year-olds residing in Florida. VPK prepares kids for school by improving their early reading, math, language, and social skills. Children who complete the VPK program are better prepared for kindergarten.
Who can apply for Voluntary Prekindergarten?
Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1.
Children born between February 2 and September 1 of a calendar year may choose to enroll their child
in VPK that year or the following year before they enter kindergarten.
Why is VPK important?
VPK prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten by providing a play-based learning experience
that supports early literacy, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills.
According to the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener, children in Voluntary Prekindergarten
are better prepared for success in school.
What are parents’ options?
Parents can enroll their children in a school-year VPK program with three or more hours of daily instruction, a full-day summer program, or specialized instructional services for those with special needs.
Most VPK programs offer full-day options for an additional cost. Financial assistance is available for eligible families.
VPK Registration Guide
VPK Handbook
GUIDELINES HEREVPK Flyer
LEARN MOREHow to Apply
How to Apply for VPK
FAQS
All VPK online applications will be processed in the order they were submitted. Please allow time for the ELC staff to review your application and process it to receive your certificate. If the application states that it is submitted status, it has not been reviewed by a voluntary prekindergarten specialist.
Normal processing is up to 10 business days or less to receive your VPK certificate of eligibility (COE).
A child may only attend one state-paid VPK session during the school year or summer.
Yes, the law only requires the child to be a Florida resident. Parents or guardians must register their children for VPK in the county where they plan to attend school.
Example: If the child resides in Pinellas County but would like to attend VPK in Pasco County, the parent must register for Voluntary Prekindergarten through the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. (We would like it to read—if the child resides in Pinellas County but would like to attend VPK in Pasco County, the parent must select the county of service as Pasco within their VPK application.)
Contact us
Please get in touch with us to obtain
more information about our programs and services.
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