Early Learning Colalition of Florida's Gateway

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten

Florida’s FREE Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK) program prepares early learners for kindergarten and builds the foundation for their future educational success!

To be eligible, a child must:

 

    • Reside in Florida

    • Be four (4) years old on or before September 1st of the enrollment year

Children with birth dates From February 2nd to September 1st can enroll in the current program year OR in the following program year.

 

You have choice!

Families can choose from private child care centers or public schools and can choose from school year or summer programs.

Children with special needs may also qualify for VPK Specialized Instructional Services (SIS).

Next Steps:

1. Collect the needed documents

Gather one proof of your child’s age and one proof of residence.

See below for a list of acceptable documents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Apply for VPK online through Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal

Submit a VPK application for your child. You will upload the proofs of age and residence gathered in the first step.

The information you enter in the application must match the information on the documents uploaded.

 

 

 

 

3. Choose a VPK Provider

Click here for a list of approved VPK Providers

Click here to request a customized listing of VPK Providers

Review each provider’s information through DCF’s CARES system.

Contact your short-listed providers and select the provider that best meets your family’s needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Enroll

Once you receive the VPK application approved email, log on to Florida’s Early Learning Family Portal to print a copy of your child’s VPK certificate.

Take your certificate to your chosen VPK provider to register with them and complete enrollment!

 

Documents for Proof of Child's Age
  • Child’s birth certificate
  • Immunization record (signed by a doctor or health official, electronic signatures are valid)
  • Passport or certificate of child’s arrival in the United States
  • Valid military dependent identification card
  • Federal or state government-issued identification card (may be from a foreign government)

If you do not have any of the above, please contact the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway at 866 752 9770

Documents for Proof of Residence
  • Government-issued document (unexpired only) such as:
    • Florida driver’s license or ID card
    • Vehicle registration
    • Voter registration
    • Property tax assessment showing a homestead exemption or tax exemption receipt dated within 12 months of the application submission date
  • Utility bill (ex: water, electric, cable, gas, landline phone) dated within 12 months of application submission date. Be sure to take the bill out of the envelope and unfold completely for the image
  • Pay stub or W2 dated within 12 months of the application submission date
  • Lease or rental agreement, signed and dated within 12 months of the application submission date
  • Rental receipt or mortgage statement, dated within 12 months of the application submission date

If you do not have any of the above, please contact the Early Learning Coalition of Florida’s Gateway at 866 752 9770