The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program prepares four-year-olds for kindergarten. This program, free to parents regardless of income, is offered at participating licensed private child care centers, accredited faith based centers, many public school and Head Start sites, as well as licensed family child care homes. VPK provides four-year-olds with both self-management and emergent literacy skills, such as letter and sound recognition. These skills are critical for future academic success.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

The Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) program prepares four-year-olds for kindergarten. VPK provides the self-management and emergent literacy skills that are critical for a child’s academic success. VPK provides a quality early learning experience at participating private and faith based child care centers, many public schools and Head Start sites, as well as licensed family child care homes. The program is free to all Florida residents regardless of income. Parents have the option of selecting from either a school year program with 540 instructional hours or a summer program that includes 300 instructional hours.

Children are taught emergent literacy skills, such as letter and sound recognition, which are critical for academic success. Each child has access to qualified instructors and age appropriate curricula. 

Highlights of the VPK Program

The VPK program is a FREE for all four-year-olds born on or before September 1 each year who reside in Florida. The program has high quality standards that include:

• Qualified instructors
• Age appropriate curricula with a strong emphasis on early literacy skills
• Manageable class sizes

VPK Program Options

Parental choice is a priority; therefore, both private and public providers may participate. VPK providers have flexibility in structuring the hours per day and days per week to meet the required instructional hours:

• School Year Program – 540 instructional hours. Class sizes not to exceed 20 students; instructors must have a minimum of a Child Development Associate for the school year program (now referred to as the Birth to Five Florida Child Care Professional Credential).

• Summer Program – 300 instructional hours. Class sizes not to exceed 12 students; instructors must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.

For more information and forms, please click here. 

Get Your Child Screened

For a List of 2012 – 2013 Approved Fall VPK Providers please click below

For VPK Forms Please Click here