Is VPK Right for Your Child?
Kindergarten no longer consists of naps, milk and cookies, and playtime. Academics are introduced immediately to our little ones, and some of the students simply are not ready. A single classroom of kindergarteners can range from proficient readers to children who were unfamiliar with their ABCs. The latter, it seemed, may be doomed to struggle to keep up with their better-prepared peers, and this struggle would continue throughout their elementary school years. Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) aims to level that playing field by giving young students the educational foundation they need to succeed.
Here is what you need to know when deciding whether to enroll your child in VPK.
1. History: Florida became one of the first states to pass an amendment (in 2002) approved by voters to create a voluntary pre-kindergarten program that would be available to all Florida residents who reach the age of four by September 1st of that school year, regardless of the ability to pay. The program helps build a strong foundation for school using educational materials that are geared towards various stages in a child’s development, according to the Florida Department of Education. The program, which is offered in many private preschools, childcare centers, community parks and recreation, and public schools, began with the 2005-2006 school year.
2. Private school: To offer VPK, private providers must be licensed childcare providers, daycare facilities, or nonpublic faith-based childcare providers that are exempt from licensure. The provider must demonstrate either accreditation from a state or national accreditation agency, hold a current Gold Seal Quality Care designation, or demonstrate that they meet all of the VPK requirements (see links).
3. Public School: The district chooses the location of public school VPK programs. The law requires that every school district offer enough summer VPK program space to serve every eligible child who wants to participate.
4. Minimum requirements: The Florida Department of Education states that the provider must offer a school-year program of at least 540 hours of instruction in a classroom limited to no more than 20 students and/or a summer programs that includes 300 hours of instruction in a classroom of no more than 12 students.
5. Special Needs: Children with special needs can participate in the VPK Specialized Instructional Services Education Program where certified or licensed instructors provide education in private or small group settings. The child must have a current instructional education plan (IEP) from that school district.
6. Acceptance: Florida law states that acceptance into a VPK program must be free from discrimination based on race, color or national origin. Students may be objectively selected based on geography, prior enrollment, random selection (lottery) or on a first come, first served basis. Some programs may select only targeted at risk populations to serve.
7. Cost: Not only is the program free of charge regardless of family income, but a provider is also prohibited from charging a registration fee or requiring parents to pay for additional services for the half-day program. Some schools may require a supplement charge for full-day programs.
8. Transportation: Programs are not required to provide transportation; parents may choose those providers that offer this service.
9. Results: All providers receive kindergarten readiness rates that show how their program prepares students at the end of each year or summer program. Parents can view these results by contacting their local early learning coalition.
10. Participation: By the 2011-2012 school year, 80% of Florida 4 year-olds were enrolled in a VPK program. In that same year, 79% of participants were deemed “ready for kindergarten” as opposed to 55% of 4 year-olds who had not attended a VPK.
How to Apply:
To receive a certificate for the program, parents must submit proof of birth to verify the child’s age and proof of Florida residency. After the documents are submitted and approved by the ELC, parents will receive an email informing them to download the certificate (online applicants only). The certificate should then be signed by the parent and taken to the provider to complete. The provider then returns the completed certificate to the ELC office for processing. Deadlines are posted on the ELC’s website.
Acceptable Documents:
The child’s original birth certificate, passport, or immunization record signed by a physician.
Proof of Florida Residency (e.g. electric bill, lease, driver’s license, or pay stub with address).
Collier County Schools VPK Providers:
Collier County Public Schools Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Education Program is a free kindergarten readiness program available to children ages four and five years old born on or before September 1st. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about Collier County Public Schools VPK, call 239-377-0590 or email vpk@collierschools.com. Learn more here.
Collier Parks and Recreation Providers:
Eagles Lakes Community Park
Golden Gate Community Center
Max Hasse Community Park
Lee County Public Schools providers
Lee County VPK preferred providers
Glades County preferred providers
Hendry County VPK providers:
Hendry County School District
- Central Elementary.
- Clewiston High School.
- Country Oaks Elementary.
- LaBelle Elementary School.
- LaBelle High School.
- Montura Early Learning Center.
To find other providers and summer programs and to register for a VPK voucher, go to the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida website at elcswfl.org or call 239-935-6100. You also can apply in person at:
Early Learning Coalition of SWFL 3050 North Horseshoe Drive Suite #231, Naples, Fl 34104
location phone: 239-213-1137
For a chart of current local VPK providers and services offered, go to The Department of Children and Families