FREE VPK is available to all Florida four-year-olds. Your child must be four on or before September 1st of the school year in which they will attend VPK. The program provides developmentally appropriate instruction and activities to prepare your child to be school ready.
VPK is offered through approved private and faith-based child care centers, family homes, and the School District of Alachua County.
The program gives families two choices to participate: a 540 instructional hour school year program or a 300 hour summer program.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Parents/Guardians must go to a VPK registration location:
- Registration is ongoing for the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program at the Coalition's office:
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.- Extended hours on Thursdays until 6 p.m.
Monday-Friday
4424 NW 13th ST BLDG A
(Across from Gene Jim and Roy. Our entrance is on the east side of the building).
- Child's Proof of Birth (Birth Certificate, Immunization Record)
- Proof of Residency (Utility Bill, Insurance, Lease, etc.)
- Legal Guardian Photo I.D.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: What happens after I've registered?
A: You'll receive a VPK Certificate of Eligibility which you�ll take to an approved VPK provider to complete the enrollment process.
Q: How do I know who the Approved VPK providers are?
A: See Alachua County VPK providers on our Provider List page.
You can also access VPK Provider Readiness Rates from the 06-07 School Year.
Q: What if I can't find my child's birth certificate?
A: You may also use a shot record signed by the child's physician or a passport.
Q: What documents can I use for proof of Florida residency?
A: A utility bill (e.g. Cox or GRU), voter's registration, vehicle registration, lease or mortgage, or a pay stub will work. We prefer NOT to recieve bank statements.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Go to www.vpkflorida.org or contact our VPK Coordinator, Barbara Beaulieu, at 352 374-0946 ext 124. You may also read the VPK legislation at Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) legislation.
HELPFUL LINKS FOR PARENTS:
http://www.naeyc.org/families/
http://www.nccic.org/