Types of VPK Programs 
The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program is a free prekindergarten program for 4-year-olds who reside in Florida and were born on or before Sept. 1 of the year they would enter the program. Parents of 4-year-olds with birthdays from Feb. 2 through Sept. 1 may postpone enrolling their child until the following year when they are 5.
VPK presents each child the opportunity to perform better in school and throughout life with quality programs that include age-appropriate curricula and emphasize early literacy skills, accountability, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors.
Parents can select from one of several program options available from private and public providers. Providers have flexibility to structure daily hours per week to meet the required number of instructional hours.
- School-Year Program - 540 Instructional Hours: Class sizes are not to exceed 11 students with a single lead instructor or up to 20 students with a lead instructor and an assistant. Instructors must have a minimum of a Florida Child Care Professional Credential.
- Summer Program - 300 Instructional Hours: Classes are not to exceed 12 students with a single lead instructor. Instructors must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree.
- VPK Specialized Instructional Services Education Program: Takes place outside a traditional classroom setting and is designed for 4-year-olds with special needs who have current individualized educational plans from local school districts.
Questions about VPK? Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Call toll free 1-866-357-3239.
