Voluntary Prekindergarten
Register your child for Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
VPK is available to all Florida 4-year-olds and even some 5-year-olds.
There are VPK providers located all throughout Flagler and Volusia Counties. Request a listing!
You can also use our VPK Provider Map to search for providers in your area.
What is VPK?
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free program designed to prepare four-year-old children for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. VPK gives children the opportunity to learn all developmental domains through play.
VPK is available to any child who is four years old on or before September 1st and living in Florida. Parents whose children are born from February 2 through September 1 of a calendar year may choose to enroll their child in VPK either that year or the next when their child is 5.
Please visit the Division of Early Learning’s website to learn more about the VPK program in general.
Why VPK?
Research shows that when learning is part of a game, fun activity, or everyday routine, information sticks longer. VPK gives children a jump start by helping them develop the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in school and life.
Here are 4 other great reasons to enroll your child in VPK:
Data collected by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) shows that children who participate in VPK are much more ready for kindergarten than children who do not.
Children who are kindergarten-ready have a 90% probability rate of reading on the correct level in third grade.
Children who do well on their third grade reading tests are 90% more likely to graduate high school with their peers.
Early childhood development directly influences economic, health, and social outcomes.
Where is VPK offered?
There are VPK providers located all throughout Flagler and Volusia Counties. Request a listing!
You can also use our VPK Provider Map to search for providers in your area.
VPK Program Options
VPK is available in different educational settings:
Family child care homes
Private centers
Public schools
Faith-based programs
Specialized instructional services providers
All providers must meet VPK program and quality standards. Parents choose the program and setting that best fit the needs of their family.
Program Options
School Year Program
540 instructional hours
Class sizes not to exceed 20 students
Instructors must have a Birth through Five Florida Child Care Professional Credential and complete special training on early literacy performance standards
A typical class begins in August
Summer Program
300 instructional hours
Class sizes not to exceed 12 students
Instructors must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
A typical class begins the following June
Specialized Instruction Services (VPK-SIS)
Helpful Resources
If you have specific concerns, please contact us by emailing childcare@elcfv.org or by calling us at 386-323-2400 and press 2. We will be more than happy to help you find a VPK program in Flagler or Volusia that’s right for you.
VPK Handbook Developmental Standards
VPK Fact Sheet (English, Spanish)