What is VPK?

VPK stands for the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program. If you live in Florida, and your child will turn 4 by Sept. 1, your child is eligible to participate in Florida’s FREE Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) education program. Enrollment is limited at Polk County Public Schools sites throughout the county.

Benefits of the VPK program:

  • The most important growth and development in the brain happens by the age of 5. The structured learning provided in VPK fosters children’s ability to be attentive and to follow directions, skills that will be needed for later success in school and life.
  • VPK prepares children to be ready for school. Children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programs develop better language skills, score higher on school-readiness tests, and have better social skills and fewer behavioral problems once they enter school. They are also better prepared for kindergarten, especially in the areas of pre-reading, pre-math and social skills.
  • VPK promotes a love of learning in children.

VPK and Title 1 PK Application

Application process opens March, 2021

Click here for the on-line application for a PCSB PK program application.
When completing the application, copies of the following documents must be uploaded.

  • Florida Certificate of Eligibility VPK – signed and dated
  • Official Birth Certificate (NOT a hospital record)
  • Photo ID of enrolling parent
  • 2 proofs of address

Applications and documentation will not be accepted in person or by mail. Please use the secured portal. 

Need Help?

VPK Locations & Contact Information

Individual schools cannot accept applications. For information on space availability, additional questions, and to submit the completed applications contact:

POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

 (863) 648-3051