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Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Programs

Florida VPK logo

What is VPK?

  • The Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program prepares 4-year-old children for success in kindergarten and beyond. 
  • The District offers VPK programs in many, but not all, elementary schools through four program models. 

Who is Eligible?

  • Children in Palm Beach County who turn 4 years old on or before September 1 of the year before kindergarten and have a VPK Certificate are eligible.  However, the state allows parents with children who turn 4 between February 2 and September 1 to postpone enrollment until the following year.  

What are the VPK Program Options in the School District of Palm Beach County? 

VPK Title I Enrichment Program

  • Our VPK Title I Programs offer free, full-day (elementary school hours) prekindergarten for children who live in a Title I school boundary.
  • VPK Title I Programs with more applicants than seats, will hold a lottery.

VPK Fee-Supported Enrichment Program

  • Our VPK Fee-Supported Programs offer full-day (elementary school hours) prekindergarten in select schools. 
  • Parents are responsible for a fee for the second half of the day.
  • VPK Fee-Supported Programs may enroll on a first-come, first-served basis or may hold a lottery.  
  • Priority is given to students who live in a school’s boundary area.
  • Student applications from outside the boundary area will be put on a waitlist. 
  • Schools will notify parents of their child’s enrollment selection status, including waitlist status.  

VPK Head Start Program

  • Our VPK Head Start Programs offer free, year-round, extended-day prekindergarten and comprehensive services for children and their families that meet federal poverty guidelines. 

VPK Migrant Education Program

  • Our VPK Migrant Education Programs offer free, school-year, extended-day prekindergarten for children whose families meet Migrant Education enrollment guidelines.

Next Steps and Quick Information: 

  • For specific program registration information, click on the tabs on the left side panel of this page.  
  • Parents must visit a school to register their child in a VPK Program.  The District’s online registration system supports K-12 student registration only.
  • To obtain your child’s required VPK Certificate, go to the Early Learning Family Portal to apply for a VPK Certificate.
  • To find your home school, visit the Find My School page.
  • For assistance, contact: 

Department of Early Childhood Education
Phone: (561) 434-8720

Email: earlychildhooded@palmbeachschools.org