Builds foundational skills in literacy, math, and critical thinking.
Encourages interaction, sharing, and cooperation with peers.
Prepares children for a smooth transition into kindergarten and future academic success.
Provides parents with resources and support to aid their child’s development.
Investing in VPK ensures that your child receives a strong start in their educational journey, fostering both academic and social growth that will benefit them throughout their schooling and beyond.
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is free for all eligible 4 and 5-year-olds in Florida. This statewide program makes sure that every child has access to quality early education, regardless of their family’s income level.
Requirements:
Your child must be 4-years-old by September 1st of the school year. Parents can enroll their child in the state’s free, voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) education program that year or wait until the following year when their child is 5.
You and your child must reside in Florida.
School-Year VPK Registration is a two-step process.
Step 1: Go to the Family Portal to complete the online application. Make sure to have the following documents ready to upload:
Proof that you live in Florida (like a current utility bill, photo ID, or recent pay stub)
Proof your child will be 4 years old by September 1 (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
Once approved, a certificate of eligibility will be available for download in your family portal account. This certificate will be required to enroll your child in the VPK program of your choice.
Step 2: Take your certificate of eligibility to the VPK provider you’ve chosen and enroll your child in VPK today!
Parents must complete a VPK application online by clicking on the Florida Early Learning Portal, or at your nearest ELC Office.
Upload the child’s original birth certificate, passport, or immunization record signed by a physician.
Upload Proof of Florida Residency (e.g. electric bill, driver’s license, or pay stub with address).
Residency Affidavit Form: Use this form for both SR & VPK if you have no proof of residency in your name and live with someone who does. The parent/guardian must complete and notarize this form. Notary services are available at our office—bring your ID or passport.
A signed and dated statement is required from the homeowner confirming residency for the parent/guardian and children. It must include full names, address, phone number, and the homeowner’s signature. The homeowner must also provide one proof of residency (e.g., utility bill or driver’s license).
Contact a Family Resource Advisor at (239) 935-6100 for more information.
If your 4-year old did not attend the VPK school year, he or she may be eligible for free summer VPK. If your child attended a school year VPK program, he/she is NOT eligible for the summer VPK program unless extreme hardship applies.
For a full list of VPK providers, click here to select the appropriate county, then zip code in which you wish to conduct your search. By filling out the Child Care Resource & Referral form you will receive a customized list of providers in your area best suited for your needs. You may also contact a Family Resource Advisor at the Early Learning Coalition for more information at:
