What is VPK?

In 2002, the State of Florida initiated the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) so that all four-year-olds in Florida could have a FREE opportunity to access and participate in a beneficial prekindergarten experience. 

VPK Programs focus on developing children’s skills and shaping them into good readers, good listeners, and good classroom participants. Palmer Preschool’s VPK program is designed to provide four-year-olds with 540 instructional hours during the traditional school-year. 

​Programs are qualified by meeting and implementing standards for literacy, measures of accountability, appropriate curricula like STEAM, substantial subject or activity blocks so that the learning happening therein may be meaningful, reasonable class sizes so that each child gets the attention they deserve, and qualified, educated instructors. 

Some of the standards include:

• A ratio of 1 instructor per 11 children
• Class sizes that do not exceed 20 children for traditional-school-year programs
• All instructors must have, at minimum, a Child Development Associate degree in order to teach a VPK traditional-school-year program

For any further questions or information please feel free to visit the Early Learning Coalition website (https://www.elchc.org/programs_services/vpk-families/). This is the primary source of information about the program, and we encourage you to explore all the options and information on the website. Or you can give us a call! Our staff members are happy to help. 

Who's Eligible?

​Children are eligible for the program if they turn four years old either on or before September 1 of the program year. To participate, they must complete the free registration for the program with the Early Learning Coalition (ELC).

Why Participate?

VPK prepares children for the structure of future school environment learning. By participating, they get a head start on becoming accustomed to what kindergarten will require of them, as well as every grade beyond. Participation in VPK programs also produces children with better social skills and reduces behavioral problems when they are ready to enter school. VPK programs are also proven to significantly develop a child’s literacy and language skills, which will be necessary to create a solid foundation for the rest of their school and life experiences. ​

Where Do I Register?

To register for this free program, please visit the Family Services portion of the Florida Early Learning Coalition website at the following link: https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/Account/Register

What do I need to Register?
For registration, families will need to provide proof of Florida residency and of the age of the child being enrolled. A complete list of registration requirements can be found at the following link: https://www.elchc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/VPK-What-Parents-Will-Need-Eng-Sp.pdf
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There is no registration fee and parents may choose the appropriate qualifying provider that meets both the needs of the child and the legally required standards. Palmer Preschool is proud to meet and strive beyond the high standards set by the Department of Education.  To learn more contact us.

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