Free VPK Program Available
Choose Grace Child Development Center for fun, supervised activities, and a focus on learning. We have good news for every child in Florida! If your child is or will turn four (4) by September 1 of the school year, then he/she is entitled to free VPK. Read this page if you would like to know more about this program and the exciting privileges that await you and your child.
Why Your Child Should Attend VPK
It's never too early to begin school and or to consider a high-quality Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program (VPK) for your child. Over the years, at Grace Child Development Center we have seen first hand the difference a high-quality VPK program can make on a child's development. It is important for kids to get exposed to other children and the structured environment a school represents at an early age.
What Is VPK?
Florida’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, most commonly known as VPK, is an education program that is open to children of Florida residents. The prerequisite is that the child will turn four (4) by September 1 of the school year that they would enroll. VPK is a free program that aims to help enhance a 4-year-old’s preparedness to enroll in kindergarten and beyond. Parents have the privilege to choose between private child care centers or public schools and school-year or summer programs. For parents of 4-year-olds with special needs, they have an option outside the classroom setting. VPK Specialized Instructional Services (VPK-SIS) is offered to them.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten takes note of early growth and development that happens before the age of five. Also, fundamental skills such as proper behavior in the classroom, attention, and focus on teaching, custom learning, and general readiness is being taught in this program. It also helps children to enhance their language skills and achieve higher test scores because they are being exposed to a classroom setting at an early age. VPK supports and reinforces what you teach your child/children at home!
What Are the Benefits of VPK?
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten helps prepare your child for elementary school and beyond. Since they can go to school while they are young, they often develop early reading skills and an improved language and socialization skills. 540 hours of instructional time are included in the Fall VPK program.
What Are the Documents Required for VPK Registration?
The following documents are required for VPK registration:
Proof of birth:
- Birth Certificate
- Current Florida Shot Record or Physical
- U.S. passport
- Valid Child's Military ID
- Certified Copy of Child's Certificate of Baptism
- Life Insurance for child within 2 years
Proof of residence:
- Current Utility Bill
- Current Pay Stub
- Current Property Tax
- Military Orders
- Rental Lease (Must have landlord's signature)
- Valid Driver's License or State ID Card with Current Address
All forms must show a date of birth. If applicable, they must be signed.
Scanner access: If you cannot scan your documents, we are happy to assist you.
Documentation should be in parent's name. If parent does not have documentation listed in their name they should contact Hope Wilson, VPK Eligibility Coordinator for other documentation that may be used for residency by parent.