VPK is a state-funded program that offers quality early learning for children who are four years old and live in Florida. The program is designed to help prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond. Studies have shown that children who participate in high-quality prekindergarten programs are more likely to succeed academically in the long-term and less likely to be held back a grade. 

Parents can find VPK programs through public and private schools, as well as some childcare centers and faith-based organizations, and can choose which program is best for their child. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science and social and emotional development. At VPK, children have the opportunity to learn through play and exploration, developing fundamental skills that will help them succeed in school and life. 

But the benefits of this program extend far beyond just the child. By investing in early education, we are also investing in the future of our communities. Children who receive a high-quality early learning experience are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and contribute to the workforce.  

By making early education a priority, we can give our next generation the best possible start in life. As parents and caregivers, we must do our part to support our children’s academic growth. This means reading to them at home, encouraging their love of learning and making sure they attend one of the many high-quality VPK programs offered in Southwest Florida. 

If your child is four years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year, they are eligible for the free program – and it’s not too late to enroll. Registration is currently underway for VPK’s school year program. The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida has a dedicated team ready to help you enroll your child and answer any questions you may have. 

Apply for a VPK voucher today by visiting VPKSWFL.org or call the Early Learning Coalition at 239-935-6100. You can also visit our Fort Myers office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for assistance, located at 2675 Winkler Ave. The office provides free kiosks, and no appointments are needed.  

Melanie Stefanowicz is the incoming CEO for Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, which provides access to high-quality early education services for children in Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties. 

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Voluntary Prekindergarten gives children a jump-start by preparing them for school and enhancing their pre-reading, pre-math, language, and social skills. Certified teachers teach VPK classrooms focusing on school readiness and social and emotional well-being. By developing the early skills children need to become strong students, they are more likely to be successful in school.

To be eligible, children must live in Florida and be four years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year. Through Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, parents can register their qualifying child to attend 540 hours of preschool during the regular school year, or 300 hours of summertime preschool. In 2022-23, Early Learning Coalition reported 7,464 children attended 260 different VPK programs in Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades Counties.

To register, families must first apply for a VPK voucher online at VPKSWFL.org. Individuals can also visit the Early Learning Coalition office, located at 2675 Winkler Ave., Suite 300 in Fort Myers, for assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office provides free kiosks, and no appointments are needed.

To learn more about summer VPK, visit VPKSWFL.org or call (239) 935-6100.

About Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida

Supported by a Florida Department of Education grant, the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida exists to enhance the quality of children’s lives by providing families, early childhood educators, caregivers, and community partners in Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties with opportunities to impact the future positively. To learn more or to donate, visit ELCofSWFL.org or call (239) 935-6100.

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