Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK)

Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) is a free, high-quality education program for all four-year-olds. Research shows that children who participate in VPK develop skills that help them succeed throughout school.

VPK is free for eligible children. VPK providers cannot charge a registration fee or require you to enroll in any additional services or wraparound care as a condition of enrollment. VPK providers can charge fees for programs or care that is not part of the VPK program, such as late charges, transportation, field trips, extended day, or wraparound care. If field trips are part of the VPK day, providers may ask families to contribute to the cost but cannot require them to do so. The VPK provider must also have an alternative activity for children who do not attend a field trip.

Families can choose from programs that best meet their needs, including part- and full-day programs at public schools, private and faith-based centers, or licensed family child care homes. Specialized instructional services are available for four-year-olds with an individual educational plan (IEP).

Children who are four on or before September 1 of the current school year are eligible to participate in VPK. If your child turns four between February 2 and September 1, you can postpone VPK until your child is five.

You can apply as early as January 1 of the year your child is eligible to attend VPK.