To attend VPK, all students must have a Certificate of Eligibility (voucher) from the Early Learning Coalition. The application window for the Certificate of Eligibility for the 2025-2026 school year will open January 1, 2025. You will not be able to apply until the new year. Please visit elcpinellas.org to apply for the voucher. Families must have the voucher at the time of enrollment at the school. For information about the Certificate of Eligibility, please call the Early Learning Coalition at (727) 400-4411.  

APPLY FOR A SEAT: Late Application period opens on March 13, 2025

Make sure you have a Parent Portal Account. You can create one by visiting focus.pcsb.org. To apply, visit focus.pcsb.org and access the “Student Reservation System” link on the left side of the navigation pane.

Schools will notify families once seats become available.

APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY: Beginning Jan. 1, 2025

Visit the Early Learning Coalition and complete the online application for a Certificate of Eligibility (voucher). For information, please call the Early Learning Coalition at (727) 400-4411.

ENROLL AT ASSIGNED SCHOOL: After a seat has been accepted, visit school with required documents

To enroll, bring the following required documents to your assigned school:

• Certificate of Eligibility (voucher)
• Birth certificate/proof of child's age
• Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH Form 680)
• Physical examination certificate signed by a licensed examiner
• Proof of Florida residency (two forms of documentation required)

Watch The ABCs of PreK3 and VPK to find out more about PreK opportunities.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free, state-funded program that prepares children for kindergarten. Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the school year that they are enrolling. VPK provides developmentally appropriate activities in literacy, language, science, social studies, math, health, safety, art and music. VPK helps children develop the skills they need to be strong readers, improving their chances of success in school. Most classes have 18 to 20 students and are staffed by a certified teacher and a child development associate. Some classes are blended to include students who receive exceptional student education services. Follow your child’s development using the FOURS Child Development Checklist & Tips booklet.

Questions about VPK? Call 727-588-6513

• VPK is a free, 540-hour program during the school year that is available at many elementary schools. Students attend free for three hours each day, Monday through Friday.
• VPK + 3 extends the VPK day an additional 3 hours so students attend for the full 6-hour school day. VPK tuition will be $100.00 weekly at the elementary school sites.
• A non-refundable registration fee will be collected at registration for an amount equal to one week's tuition.
• Six sites offer free full-day programs with a Certificate of Eligibility (voucher)
• Families who qualify for free or reduced-price meals according to the annual Florida Income Eligibility Guidelines will qualify for free full-day VPK.
• Full-day VPK will be discounted for children of all full-time PCS employees at our elementary school sites. Our Employee and Community Preschool sites at Largo and Countryside high schools will also offer a discount to full-time PCS employees. The employee rate at elementary school sites for VPK will be $25.00 per week and the employee rate at Largo and Countryside high schools for VPK will be $90.00 per week. 

*Free full day programs with Certificate of Eligibility (voucher)