Voluntary Prekindergarten

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    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 2018-19 
     
     Learn more about the Summer VPK program
     
    Questions about VPK? Call 727-588-6513
     
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    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 2019. 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 Jan. 21 - Feb. 1, 2019
    Apply at reservation.pcsb.org during the application period. Choose up to three sites.

    4. View the Results of Your Application and Accept an Invitation  beginning Feb. 25, 2019
    Log back on to reservation.pcsb.org to find out if your application was selected. Accept an invitation or decline an invitation and remain on waitlists for other sites. If you fail to accept an invitation during this period, the invitation will be void. 
     
    5. Enroll at Your Assigned School March 18-29, 2019
    Bring your registration fee and the following documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility (voucher)
    • Birth Certificate
    • Proof of Residency (2 forms of documentation required)
    • Florida Certificate of Immunization
    • Physical examination certificate

    Parents who don't complete the enrollment process will lose their seat.

  • 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 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.