VPK Frequently Asked Questions

What is Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten?
  • In November, 2002, Florida voters passed a state constitutional amendment requiring a voluntary pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-old children by Fall, 2005. The program is designed to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten and the foundations for their educational success. It is provided at no cost to the parent. The program is voluntary for children and providers.
When is my child eligible for VPK?
  • To be eligible, your child must be four-years-old by September 1st of the program year. Children who are born AFTER September 1st are NOT eligible until the following year. You must also reside in Florida to be eligible.
How do I register my child for VPK?
  • CLICK HERE to register your child online. You must also electronically submit "Proof of Residency" when completing the application; these are documents showing the parent's address and the child's date of birth. The address on the proof of residency must match the address on the application. Families may also visit our offices Monday-Thursday, during walk in hours (7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) to use our computers and scanners to enroll in VPK.
What documentation do I need?
  • 1 proof of your child's age (birth certificate, passport, etc.).
  • 1 proof of your current address (driver's license, state ID, military ID, etc.).
  • Your child's Social Security number.
Does my proof of residency need to match the address on my application?
  • YES.  Proof of residency must be current and must match the address on the application.
Can I use the summer session and the school year session?
  • NO. You must choose one or the other session.
Which summer session can I use?
  • Children who are 4-years-old by September 1st, and DID NOT ATTEND DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, may choose the summer session, which begins no earlier than May 1st.
Where does my child attend VPK?
  • Where your child attends is strictly up to you; preschools, faith-based programs, family child care homes and early learning facilities all participate in the VPK Program. (Duval County Public Schools only participate in the summer program).
  • VPK enrollment is based on the county in which you want to attend, NOT on which county you live. You may live in the surrounding county and enroll your child in a Duval County center through the ELC of Duval. You may NOT use an ELC of Duval certificate/voucher for a provider in another county.
  • Contact EPISCOPAL CHILDREN'S SERVICES for VPK centers in surrounding counties.
When does VPK start?
  • You can choose a school year or summer session. The school year program includes a Fall schedule (540 instructional hours).  The Fall VPK program begins no earlier than the first day of public school, but may begin as late as October. The Fall program may end between April and late May. The Summer session begins anytime after May 1st and includes 300 instructional hours.
Where can I find a VPK provider?
  • All families are encouraged to consider quality when choosing a VPK provider. To assist you, please check out our QUALITY CHECKLIST.
  • CLICK HERE for a list of VPK providers in alphabetical order and by zip code.
  • CLICK HERE for detailed information on VPK providers.
How do I enroll my child with a provider?
  • You need to have a working email address. Once you succesfully create a Family Portal account, you can start the VPK application.  Once you logged on to your Family Portal account, you will click the CONTINUE button to proceed.
Can I transfer my child to another provider?
  • The State of Florida allows each VPK enrollee to make ONE transfer. Be sure to visit the center where you want your child to attend prior to enrolling in order to reduce the need for a transfer.  If you decide to reenroll your child with another provider, you will request the reenrollment online logging on to your Family Portal account.  Once you logged on, click the "Request Reenrollment" button on the family Profile and follow the instructions.
What is my responsibility when it comes to having my child evaluated AFTER the VPK year is over?
  • Children who attend a public school will take a readiness assessment during the first few weeks of kindergarten. This is very important in determining your child's readiness for school AND the State of Florida uses this data to give your child care provider a READINESS RATE each year.
  • If your child attends a private school, you may need to contact your assigned public school to coordinate having your child take the evaluation.
  • You may also email CATHY PARKER or call (904) 208-2040, Ext. 206.
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vertical_bar Contact Child & Family Resources for Customized VPK Information:
  • BY EMAIL
  • By Phone: (904) 208-2040, Ext. 1


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements & Events

  • VPK READINESS RATE REPORT

    Attention VPK Providers!  Two OEL webinars with information about how to read final readiness rate repor... Read More

  • INSPECTION REPORTS

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  • VPK REGISTRATION FOR 2020 - 2021 IS OPEN!

    Enroll now in Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Education Program. Read More