Voluntary Prekindergarten

  • Accepting Late Applications for VPK for the 2017-18 School Year

     

    Seats Available. Apply now at reservation.pcsb.org.

     

    Questions about VPK? Call 727-588-6513

     
    Make sure to get a Certificate of Eligibility voucher from the Early Learning Coalition at elcpinellas.net/register-for-vpk 
     
    Interested in Summer VPK? Learn more here.
     
     
    VPK Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free, state-funded program designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Children must be 4 years of age on or before Sept. 1 of the school year in which they are enrolling.

    Guided by the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for 4 year olds, the program provides developmentally appropriate activities in literacy, language, science, social studies, math, health and safety, art and music.

    Developing the skills children need to become strong readers improves their chances of being successful in school. Most classes have 18 to 20 students and are staffed with a certified teacher and a child development associate. Some classes are blended to include students with exceptional student education services. Follow your child’s development using the FOURS Child Development Checklist & Tips booklet. For more information, please read the VPK Parent Guide. 
     

  • How to Register

     
    Download the VPK Flier:
    Please note that VPK programs have limited availability.

    1. Get a Certificate of Eligibility (voucher) from the Early Learning Coalition
    Visit the Early Learning Coalition website at elcpinellas.net/register-for-vpk beginning January 2017. If you have questions call 727-400-4411. 

    2. Get Your PCS User ID and Password
    Go to any district school to obtain your user ID and password if you don’t have one for another child. Make sure to bring your government issued ID.

    3. Apply online for a VPK Seat March 20 - April 9
    Visit reservation.pcsb.org during the application period. Choose up to three sites.

    4. View the Results of Your Application beginning April 25
    Log onto reservation.pcsb.org to find out if your application was selected. If so, you will see your assigned school.
     
    5. Enroll at Your Assigned School April 25 - May 9 with the following documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility (voucher)
    • Birth Certificate
    • Proof of Residency (2 forms of documentation required)
    • Florida Certificate of Immunization
    • Physical examination certificate

  • Cost

    • 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. Tuition is $65 per week with a non-refundable registration fee of $78 that is applied to the last two weeks of tuition. 
    • At select locations, the VPK+3 program is supported with Title 1 funding. Qualifying families at these schools do not pay tuition.

    Special Programs

    • Dual Language VPK is available at Garrison-Jones Elementary, where students spend half the day learning in English and half the day learning in Spanish. Many students in this program apply for the K-5 dual language program at the school.
    • Kings Highway Early Childhood Center is located at the Kings Highway Center for Innovation and Digital Learning. The school provides several early childhood programs, including VPK, where students receive violin instruction twice a week and have additional technology in the classrooms.