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.
Need Help?
Preschool Programs
For questions and information on space availability contact PCPS Preschool Programs:
Find a VPK Program Near You
Submit an Online Application for a Preschool Program
Application process open for Summer 2022 VPK and for Preschool Programs for the 2022-2023 School Year.
VPK/Title 1 PK Application
When completing the application, copies of the following documents must be uploaded.
- Florida Certificate of Eligibility VPK – signed and dated
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- Need to apply for a VPK Certificate of Eligibility? Click here: Family Portal: Login (floridaearlylearning.com)
- 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.
Head Start Application
Head Start programs deliver services to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. Head Start achieves this through an emphasis in early childhood development education, family and community partnerships, and health services. Learn more about Head Start and its program qualifications by visiting polkschoolsfl.com/headstart.
Individual schools cannot accept applications. For information on space availability, additional questions, and to submit the completed applications contact:
PCPS PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS – (863) 648-3051
VPK Locations
School | Address | City & Zip | Type |
Spessard L. Holland Elementary | 2342 EF Griffin Rd. | Bartow 33830 | Full school day |
Bella Citta Elementary | 201 Bella Citta Blvd. | Davenport 33837 | Full school day |
Davenport School of Arts | 4751 N. CR 547 | Davenport 33837 | Full school day |
Horizons Elementary | 1700 Forest Lake Dr. | Davenport 33837 | Full school day |
Highland City Elementary | 5355 9th Street SE | Highland City 33846 | Full school day |
Lake Alfred Elementary | 550 E. Cummings St. | Lake Alfred 33850 | Full school day |
Carlton Palmore Elementary | 3725 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Lakeland 33803 | Full school day |
Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary | 6600 Green Rd. | Lakeland 33810 | Full & part day |
Highlands Grove Elementary | 4510 Lakeland Highlands Rd. | Lakeland 33813 | Full & part day |
North Lakeland Elementary School of Choice | 410 W. Robson St. | Lakeland 33805 | Full school day |
R Bruce Wagner Elementary | 5500 Yates Rd. | Lakeland 33811 | Full school day |
R. Clem Churchwell Elementary | 8201 Park Byrd Rd. | Lakeland 33810 | Full school day |
Rochelle School of Arts | 1501 Martin L King Jr. Ave. | Lakeland 33805 | Full school day |
Scott Lake Elementary | 1140 E. County Rd. 540A | Lakeland 33813 | Full school day |
Southwest Elementary | 2650 Southwest Ave. | Lakeland 33803 | Full school day |
Valleyview Elementary | 2900 E. County Rd. 540A | Lakeland 33813 | Full & Part day |
Winston Elementary | 3415 Swindell Road, Lakeland, FL 33810 | Lakeland 33810 | |
Willow Oak School | 4815 Bailey Road | Mulberry 33860 | Full school day |
Laurel Elementary | 1851 Laurel Ave. | Poinciana 34759 | AM or PM |
Chain of Lakes Elementary | 7001 State Road 653 | Winter Haven 33884 | Full & part day |
Frank E. Brigham Academy | 601 Avenue C, SE | Winter Haven 33880 | Full school day |
Jewett School of Arts | 2250 8th Street, NE | Winter Haven 33881 | Full school day |
For address information regarding each school, visit our School Listings page.