During 2002, voters unanimously approved a ballot initiative for the state pay for a high quality voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program for every 4-year-old in Florida. This program is offered by local private early childhood education providers, family child care homes and public schools. The program allows for 540 hours of care for a traditional school year (averages to be three hours per day but schedules vary by program) or a summer program with six hours per day. Parents may choose which program is best suited for their child.

Parents VPK-related Training Search for a VPK provider
VPK Statistics

Parents

The VPK program is a free program for Florida's families. Participating in VPK gives parents an opportunity to help their children reach their full potential. High quality pre-k increases a child's chances of succeeding in school and earning more as adults. All children living in Florida who turn 4 by September 1, 2008 are eligible for the 540 hour fall 2008-2009 program or the 2009 summer 300 hours program. To learn more about Florida's VPK program download the parent brochure below.

How do I enroll my child in VPK?

Take a copy of your child's birth certificate and proof of residency (like a copy of your electric bill) to one of the enrollment sites listed. Fill out a VPK application and pick up your certificate of eligibility. You can then choose a program that is best for your child's needs. The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida is working in partnership with Community Coordinated Care for Children (4C) to keep a running list of participating programs in your area. Contact either organization for a current list.

Enrollment Sites

Collier County 201 8th St. South Suite 200 Naples, FL 34102 239-213-3321 Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 7 AM to 5:30 PM Tues 7AM to 6:00PM; Second Sat of each month 8AM to 5PM	Hendry County The United Way House 117 Ft. Thompson LaBelle, FL 33935 863-517-2586 Tues and Thurs 8AM to 5PM	Lee County 2675 Winkler Ave. Suite 300 Fort Myers, FL 33901 239-935-6100 Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 7AM to 5:30 PM Tues 7AM to 6:00 PM; Second Sat of each month 8AM to 5PM
Workforce Career Center 750 South Fifth St. Immokalee, FL 34142 239-410-6104 Tues and Thurs 8AM to 5PM	Workforce Career Center 215 South Francisco St. Clewiston, FL 33440 863-599-8778 Mon through Thurs 8AM to 5PM
Children's Home Society 1924 Santa Barbara Blvd. Suite 3 Naples, FL 34116 239-410-1698 Wed and Thurs 9AM to 5PM	Glades County 863-599-8778

Educators

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.

Do You Want to Become A VPK Provider?

The VPK program has been a success in the state of Florida serving over 150,000 children in over 7,000 centers and schools.

To apply to become a VPK provider contact the Early Leaning Coalition of Southwest Florida at (239) 267-4105 or download the provider forms below.

2007-2008 VPK Provider Agreement

VPK Provider Readiness Rate

Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) is a brief screening to determine a child's progress in attaining Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program Standards. FLKRS is administered in the first 30 days of kindergarten. Results from FLKRS are used to determine each VPK Provider's Readiness Rate. To see a provider's readiness rate go to: VPK Provider Readiness Rate

Download the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener Flyer

Regional VPK Facilitator

As part of the voluntary pre-K program, the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida hired a VPK Regional Facilitator to assure the highest level of success for 4-year-olds enrolled in the VPK program. The facilitator coordinates the implementation of VPK; regularly attends meetings and conferences regarding VPK; and collaborates with VPK stakeholders including public school districts, child care providers, central agencies, Head Start and other community agencies. In addition, the facilitator oversees the work of Kindergarten Transition Teams composed of early childhood educators, directors, school administrators, parents and Head Start representatives. Contact the VPK regional facilitator Lisa Allen at (239) 834-0939.

Download the 2008 VPK Fall Training Schedule

Standards Training

The Florida Department of Education, Office of Early Learning is pleased to announce that training is now available on Florida's 2005 Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Standards. This training is based on the most current early childhood research and is appropriate for all VPK instructors. The participants will be introduced to the VPK Standards, which are guidelines that describe what children should know and be able to do at the end of the VPK year.

Statewide Training Calendar

Available Standards Training. Registration for ELC-sponsored Standards Training.

VPK Provider Information for Download

District Cost Differentials (DCD)
Cost differential
Conference report HB5110

VPK Final Allocations
2006 - 2007 (Excel file)