Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK)

Free Preschool for 4-Year-Olds

In Florida, Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free preschool program for all 4-year-olds, regardless of income. This program helps young children build early learning skills that support kindergarten readiness.

Give your child the support, tools, and resources to thrive for life.

The year before kindergarten is a big one.

This is when children build early reading and language skills, strengthen emotional skills like patience and regulating big emotions, learn to take turns and follow instructions, develop early social skills, and gain confidence in a classroom setting

VPK helps your child prepare academically, socially, and emotionally, so they can walk into elementary school ready to learn.

Children have access to ONE of the following
free VPK options:

Applying for VPK is simple and can be done online.

School-Year Program

540 instructional hours, typically morning hours

The VPK school-year program follows the traditional school-year calendar and is offered by participating public schools and private providers.

Summer Program

300 instructional hours

The VPK summer program is designed for children entering kindergarten in the fall who did not participate in the school-year program.

Specialized Instructional Services (SIS) Program

For children with special needs

VPK-SIS is available for 4-year-olds with Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) to access specialized services outside of the traditional VPK classroom setting. Services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and more. Hours vary based on services provided.

If you believe your child may qualify, contact us, and we will guide you through the next steps.

VPK ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION

To be eligible for VPK or VPK-SIS, your child must:

Live in Florida
Turn 4 years old on or before September 1 of the program year
Not have already completed a VPK program

Parents may apply beginning January 1 of the year their child turns four.

To apply, families must fill out an application in the Florida Family Portal. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility. You will provide that certificate to the VPK provider of your choice to complete enrollment in the VPK program.

Need help with navigating the application process? Our Family Services Team is here to assist you.

PARENT RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply for VPK?

Applications open January 1 for the upcoming program year.

Does my income affect eligibility?

No. VPK is free for all eligible 4-year-olds in Florida.

Do I have to choose between a public or private VPK site when I apply?

Yes. When you apply through the state portal, you will need to indicate whether you are interested in a public or private VPK program. Don’t worry, your choice is not final. If your first option does not work out, your same certificate is still valid at any VPK site!

Can my child attend VPK at a private preschool?

Yes. Many private and faith-based child care providers offer VPK. You can choose the provider that best fits your family.

What documents will I need?

You will need proof of your child’s age and proof of Florida residency when applying through the Family Portal.

VPK Documents

Can my child attend VPK if they have special needs?

Yes. Children with IEPs may attend VPK through the Specialized Instructional Services (SIS) option. In addition, some select VPK programs provide classroom accommodations for children with special needs, and we can provide a list of these sites to help you find the right placement for your child.

What if I need help choosing a provider?

We can help! Contact our Child Care Resource & Referral Team, and we will provide you with a customized list of child care sites that best fit your needs. That could mean a list based on zip code, hours of operation, style of learning, infant care, special needs accommodations, etc. Our team can also provide tips and tools for touring child care sites and help you identify what “quality” care looks like.

Can my 5-year-old attend VPK?

Maybe. Depending on your child’s birthdate, they may be able to postpone VPK to attend as a 5-year-old if they have not started kindergarten. However, this option is only available with private child care providers.