Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and Head Start Programs
Florida created the free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program for all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. VPK prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. The District offers both the school year (part day) and summer (full day) VPK programs in most, but not all elementary schools. Parents may choose to have their child attend one, but not both VPK programs. To participate, children must turn 4-years-old by September 1 of the year prior to kindergarten entry, be residents of Palm Beach County, and have a VPK Certificate of Eligibility. However, the state allows parents with children who turn four between February 2 and September 1 to postpone enrollment until the following year.
The District’s VPK classroom teaching teams are comprised of a certified teacher and credentialed assistant teacher. Teaching teams implement a research-based curriculum aligned to the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards. Our schools offer opportunities for children living within their boundary areas to attend VPK where their siblings also attend elementary school.
Families whose children are enrolled in the District’s school year, part day, VPK program may choose to have their children attend enrichment hours that extend the VPK program hours, creating a seamless 6-hour day. Grants, contracts and other funding sources pay for the enrichment hours in VPK programs located in Title I schools. In Title I VPK programs, enrollment has certain requirements, such as living in the school’s boundary area. VPK programs offered in non-Title I schools offer the enrichment hours through parent fees. Eligible parents may use School Readiness (subsidy) vouchers to pay parent fees. Some schools also offer VPK wraparound hours from 2:00 p.m. up to 6:00 p.m., on a parent fee basis. Until all VPK seats are filled, schools will continue to enroll students.