The Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) legislation was signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush on January 2, 2005. This law created a program to prepare all four year-olds in Florida for kindergarten and build a strong foundation for their continued educational success.

The VPK program provides each child the opportunity to perform better in school and throughout life with quality programs that include high literacy standards, accountability, appropriate curricula, substantial instruction periods, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors.

Florida recognizes that parents are children's first teachers and build their language and literacy skills by reading with them regularly, giving them a love for reading and books. Do not overlook the wonder and achievements your child will experience in the Voluntary Prekindergarten program-share and support his or her learning experience.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The Voluntary Prekindergarten program is FREE to all children

• Who are 4 years old on or before September 1, and
  


• Who reside in the State of Florida

If you have questions regarding the Voluntary Prekindergarten program in Bay County or would like to receive a Certificate of Eligibility for your child to attend a VPK program, please call or visit our office at:

450 Jenks Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 872-7550
(800) 768-8316

If you reside outside of Bay County and would like more information, please contact the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida at:

200 Forest Park Circle
Panama City, FL 32405
(850) 747-5400 or (866) 269-3022


HIGHLIGHTS

• High quality educational program with an early literacy focus
• No registration fee
• Both private and public providers may participate

• School Year Program - 540 instructional hours
• Summer Program - 300 instructional hours

VPK Provider Profile

• All VPK providers must meet high standards required by Florida law
• Parents have the option of choosing the provider that meets their own family's needs
• Options for parents include: private and public schools, private and faith-based child care centers and licensed family child care homes
• All VPK instructors must have a minimum of a Child Development Associate for the school year program, or a Bachelor's degree for the summer program
• Ratios are 1 instructor to 10 children
• Class size will not exceed 18 children in the school year program
• Class size will not exceed 10 children in the summer program

• Must be developmentally appropriate
• Focus on early literacy skills
• Prepare the child to be ready for kindergarten based on the VPK Standards adopted by the State Board of Education

Department of Children and Families Licensing

AWI/Office of Early Learning

Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten

Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida