Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)

As an early childhood teacher, you play a valuable role in educating young children. In fact, the work you do each day increases a child's chances of succeeding in school and in life. They are more likely to graduate from high school, finish college and earn more as adults. That is why we need your participation in Florida's VPK program.

Licensed, private early childhood educators, directors and family child care homes are eligible if they are accredited by a member of the National Council for Private School Accreditation, currently hold a Gold Seal Quality Care designation, or can demonstrate their ability to meet the VPK requirements. Public school districts must be approved by the state. For more eligibility requirements download the provider brochure below.

Standards used in VPK Education Programs

The Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds (2011) were formally adopted by the State Board of Education on October 18, 2011. These Standards, a collaboration between the Department of Education Office of Early Learning and the Agency for Workforce Innovation Office of Early Learning, create a common framework and language for providers of VPK Education Programs as well as School Readiness Programs serving four-year-olds.

Based on collaboration with a state panel of experts, national and state expert reviewers, and public input from citizens across the state, the Standards for Four-Year-Olds reflect the latest research on child development and developmentally appropriate practices for four-year-old children. All standards and benchmarks are organized in five domains:

Benchmarks are available in two domains: the domains of Language, Communication, and Emergent Literacy, and the Mathematical Thinking portion of Cognitive Development and General Knowledge, further explaining what Florida's children should know and be able to do at the end of the prekindergarten experience.

To ensure all teachers of four-year-olds effectively utilize the Standards for Four-Year-Olds, training has been developed. This training is based on the most current early childhood research and is appropriate for all instructors and directors of programs serving four-year-olds. The training is titled Standards for Four-Year-Olds. Training is listed on the DCF website and registration must occur at http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/childcare/about.shtml, course registration.

To download a copy of The Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds (2011), go to http://www.fldoe.org/earlylearning/pdf/feldsfyo.pdf and print them. The Standards are NOT distributed at the trainings.

Do You Want to Become A VPK Provider?

The VPK Provider Reference Guide gives needed information for being a VPK provider.

Provider Application Process

The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida contracts with Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc. (4C) to register public and private early learning programs as eligible VPK providers. 4C is responsible for collecting, reviewing, and maintaining all required documentation for both public school and private providers. Mail or deliver the complet­ed application to 4C, with all required documents. Upon review of required documents you will receive a signed provider agreement authorizing your participation in the VPK program.

Visit the VPK Information page for a list of documents and downloadable materials.

Submit application to 4C

Call for an appointment or mail in application.

For Glades, Hendry and Lee County:
Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc (4C)
VPK Enrollment Dept.
2675 Winkler Ave., Ste. 300
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239)935-6146

For Collier County:
Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc (4C)
VPK Enrollment Dept.
201 8th St. S., Ste. 200
Naples, FL 34102
(239)213-1137

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EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, INC.

5256 Summerlin Commons Way, Suite 201 • Ft. Myers, Florida 33907
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TOLL FREE: 1-866-863-1366 • Office Hours: 8am-5pm Monday - Friday