Voluntary Prekindergarten Program

House Bill 1-A was signed into law by Governor Bush on January 2, 2005, creating a program designed to prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. The program allows a parent to enroll his or her eligible child (four years old by September 1 and residing in Florida) in a free VPK program. The program is voluntary for children and providers and is being offerred at CDC, Corry Station and CDC, NASP.
Contact: 453-6286 or 452-2211.

OUR MISSION
To ensure that all children are intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially ready
to enter school and ready to learn, fully recognizing the crucial role of parents as their child's first teacher

HIGHLIGHTS

• High quality educational program with an early literacy focus
• FREE for all children 4 years old by September 1, who reside in Florida
• No registration fee
• Both private and public providers participate

VPK PROGRAM OPTIONS

• School Year Program * 540 instructional hours
• Summer Program * 300 instructional hours

EARLY LEARNING COALITIONS

There are Early Learning Coalitions (ELC) across the state. Each ELC helps providers meet the requirements of Florida law. Your ELC has additional information regarding the status of your application. The ELC will have a list of local providers and public schools participating in the VPK program. Your ELC contact information can be found at www.vpkflorida.org.

PROVIDERS

• All VPK providers must meet high standards required by Florida law
• Parents have the option of choosing the provider that meets their own family's needs
• Options for parents include: public schools, private child care centers and licensed family child care homes

INSTRUCTORS

• All lead VPK instructors must have a minimum of a Child Development Associate for the school year
  program or a Bachelor's degree for the summer program
• Ratios are 1 instructor to 10 children
• Class size will not exceed 18 children

CURRICULUM

• Must be developmentally appropriate
• Focus on early literacy skills
• Prepare the child to be ready for kindergarten based on standards adopted by the State Board of Education

TRANSPORTATION

• Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation

More Information:  www.elcescambia.org *