Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK)

What is VPK?

The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) is a free program for all 4- and 5-year-olds who reside in Florida and are 4 years old on or before September 1 of each year.

VPK is designed to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. VPK supports the development of early literacy, executive functioning, and social emotional skills.

Parents have the option to enroll their child in one of the following program types:

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.)
  • Typical class begins in late August for 3-4 hours per weekday
 
 
Summer Program
  • 300 instructional hours
  • Class sizes not to exceed 12 students
  • Instructors must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
  • Typical class begins the following June for 6-7 hours per weekday
 
SIS Program (Specialized Instructional Services Education Program)
  • The SIS Program takes place outside a traditional classroom setting and is for 4-year-olds with special needs who have current individualized educational plans from their local school districts. To learn more about the SIS Program see fact sheet.        
Providers are not permitted to charge a registration fee or require parents to agree to any additional services. State law does not, however, prohibit a provider from charging registration fees for programs or care that are not part of the VPK program hours. In many cases, children can remain at the VPK site all day but parents are responsible for paying for the hours outside of the VPK program. Transportation is not covered for VPK.  Click on photo below to reach the Florida of Early Learning VPK Registration page. 
 

Spotlights

VPK Providers List 2021

VPK Fact Sheet

Click to Download

VPK, Specialized Instructional Services (SIS) Fact Sheet

 
 

ELC Pasco Hernando VPK Calendar 2021-2022