How do I enroll my child in pre K in Florida?

Parents must complete a VPK application online by clicking on the Florida VPK link here, or on the home page on this website — or at your nearest ELC Office. Upload the child's original birth certificate, passport, or immunization record signed by a physician.

What are the requirements for pre K in Florida?

Who is Eligible for VPK? To be eligible for VPK, children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.

Is pre k free in Florida?

It can make a huge difference in their success throughout life. That's why it is important that your child attend Voluntary Prekindergarten. VPK is free of charge to all 4-year-old children in Florida regardless of family income.

What documents are needed for VPK in Florida?

How many hours is pre K in Florida?

The 540 hour school year VPK program is for children who will be turning four by September 1 of the current year. The school year VPK hours are Monday through Friday from 12:30-3:30 and lasts from August through May. It is designed to be a supplemental time period to our regular morning hours (which are 7:30-12:30).

New to Florida? Here's how to enroll your children in school

How much is Pre-K in Florida?

Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) is a free program to prepare 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Can a 3 year old go to preschool in Florida?

Prekindergarten 3 is for children who are 3 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the school year when they are attending Pre-K. Children spend a full day in a safe and nurturing environment. PreK3 enhances language and communication skills, and supports cognitive, physical, social and emotional development.

What is the difference between PreK and VPK Florida?

Think of PreK as the broadest possible term. A PreK can be at a public school, private school, church, private business, or home. Voluntary Prekindergarten or VPK is a funding program through the State of Florida that covers the cost of a set number of hours of PreK when a child is 4 years old.

Can a 3 year old start VPK in Florida?

VPK helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child's development. To be eligible, children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year.

How much is full day VPK in Florida?

Yes, VPK is free in Florida as long as you complete the necessary steps to apply for a VPK Certificate of Eligibility and enroll in an eligible voluntary prekindergarten VPK program. Payment may be required for wrap-around care outside of the free VPK hours.

How many days is pre K in Florida?

School-year VPK provides 630 hours of instruction, 3.5 hours per day for 180 days. The Summer VPK program provides 300 hours of instruction, 10 hours per day for 30 days.

Can a 4 year old start kindergarten in Florida?

Florida law (Section 1003.21(1)(a)2, Florida Statutes) specifies that children who have attained the age of five years on or before September 1 of the school year are eligible for admission to public kindergarten during that school year based on rules prescribed by the school board.

How many hours a day is VPK in Florida?

Our VPK program adheres to the school calendar and provides 540 hours of educational instruction. With flexible hours ranging from 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, we ensure your child receives a quality education and is prepared for a successful academic journey.

What is the best age for pre-K?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the preschool age range is 3 to 5 years old. That said, most kids start preschool between ages 3 and 4. It's important to consider your child's unique readiness signs when making the decision, though preschool staff and your pediatrician can also weigh in.

What age does pre-K start in Florida?

The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program – or VPK – is a free prekindergarten program for 4 and 5-year-olds who reside in Florida. Participating children must be 4 year of age on or before September 1.

What is the youngest age for pre-K?

Preschool typically ranges between 2 ½ and 5 ½ years old depending on each school's enrollment requirements. Pre-K focuses on children between 4 and 5 years old. Curriculums differ as well.

Can a 4 year old start kindergarten in Florida without?

Kindergarten: A child must be 5 years old on or before September 1st. First Grade: A child must be 6 years old on or before September 1st. If you do not have a Birth Certificate, Immunization record on a Florida card and/or the required proof of residency, you will not be able to register your child.

When can I apply for VPK in Florida 2023?

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) registration for the 2023–24 school year and the 2023 summer program opens on March 1. VPK is a free educational program offered by the State of Florida, designed to prepare children for kindergarten.

How much does Florida VPK pay?

As of Jan 28, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Vpk Teacher in Florida is $11.23 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $14.37 and as low as $7.72, the majority of Vpk Teacher salaries currently range between $10.77 (25th percentile) to $12.60 (75th percentile) in Florida.

Does my child have to attend VPK in Florida?

Children may participate in the VPK Program one time only. Children in Florida are not required to attend either the state's prekindergarten or kindergarten programs, but are required to attend school the year they turn 6 by Feb. 1.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Florida 2023?

Eligibility for Florida Kidcare

The specific guidelines vary depending on the program your child is eligible for: MediKids: Children ages 1 to 4 with family incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Healthy Kids: Children ages 5 to 18 with family incomes up to 133% of the FPL.

Is kindergarten mandatory in Florida?

Kindergarten at the age of 5 is not required, however district schools do require that children have satisfactorily completed the requirements for kindergarten before they will allow children to enter into a district school for first grade.

What is the 3 year old program in Florida?

4C Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote school readiness and child development for eligible low-income families with children from birth to 5 years old. Early Head Start is open to children under 3 years old, while children 3 to 5 years old participate in Head Start.

Is a 3 year old ready for preschool?

Not every 3-year-old is ready for preschool. Some children will do better if they wait until they are 4 years old, while others may benefit from a half-day program instead. If you live in Philadelphia, there a wide variety of preschool programs that can accommodate your child's unique needs.

Is a 3 year old a toddler or preschool?

Preschoolers (3-5 years of age)