Children who complete VPK:

- Are more prepared for Kindergarten.

- Have better school attendance rates.

- Develop lifelong social skills.

- Are more likely to advance to the next grade.

- Are more likely to graduate high school.

Parents can choose from Private Centers and Schools, Public Schools, Family Child Care Homes and Specialized Instructional Services Providers.

Parents can select from one of several program options:

VPK 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 VPK Program: Classes are not to exceed 12 students with a single lead instructor. Instructors must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

Specialized Instructional Services Program (Hours Vary Based on Services): VPK Specialized Instructional Services (SIS) is a program option for VPK-age children with current Individual Educational Plans (IEPs). This option allows parents to chooise additional therapy services consistent with the child's IEP in lieu of attending VPK in a traditional classroom setting.

You must provide one of the following documents to verify your child’s age:

• A certified or original birth record.

• A certified or original baptism certificate or religious birth record with a notarized affidavit from the parent.

• A life insurance policy for the child that’s at least 2 years old.

• A passport or certificate of arrival showing the child’s birth date.

• An immunization record signed by a health officer or licensed physician.

• A valid military dependent ID or government-issued ID with the child’s birth date.

• If none of the above are available, a notarized affidavit of the child’s age along with a signed letter from a health officer or physician on official letterhead may be accepted.

Any questions call us at 352-563-9939 X. 0

To verify Florida residency, you must submit one of the following:

• A utility bill (electric, gas, water), cable, internet, or phone bill dated within the past 12 months

• A pay stub dated within the past 12 months

• A residential rental agreement or rent receipt dated within the past 12 months

• A government-issued document (e.g., Florida driver’s license, state ID, or property tax bill with homestead exemption)

• Military orders showing a parent is assigned to duty in Florida during the VPK program

• A federal employment order showing a parent is assigned to work in Florida during the VPK program

• A Florida Migrant Education Program Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• A notarized affidavit of physical address with a letter from the landlord or property owner confirming the child lives at that address (or use ELPOP 400.12 with Section C completed)

• For homeless children, documentation such as a letter from a shelter, referral, student residency form, or a notarized affidavit from the parent confirming Florida residency will be accepted

Any questions call us at 352-563-9939 X. 0

Yes, a child may be eligible to reenroll in VPK if they withdraw before completing 70% of the program hours or funding. Reenrollment can happen for Good Cause (such as moving or switching providers) or Extreme Hardship (such as needing to transfer from a school-year to a summer program).

To reenroll, parents must complete the VPK Reenrollment Application (Form OEL-VPK 05) through the Family Portal. Some situations may require supporting documentation.

Children who turned 4 between February 2 and September 1 and did not complete VPK or enter kindergarten may also be eligible to reenroll the following year.

For help with reenrollment or submitting forms, contact us at 352-563-9939.

VPK registration opens every year on January 1st. For example, registration for the 2025–2026 school year began on January 1, 2025.