vpk parent portal

What is the VPK program in Florida?

Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program or VPK is a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten and beyond. Children must live in Florida and be 4 on or before September 1 of the school year they enroll. Parents can choose from private child care centers or public schools and school-year or summer programs.

How are students selected for the VPK program?

Students are selected based upon academic need using the information you provide through the BCPS – VPK Parent Portal online application AND the BRIGANCE developmental screening tool, administered by a teacher. Priority is given to students living within the school’s attendance boundary.

How do I contact the VPK office for more information?

For more information, please contact the Head Start/Early Intervention Department, VPK Office at 754-321-1961. Selection for a Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program at a school does not guarantee placement for Kindergarten at the same school.

What is VPK and why choose VPK?

VPK is designed to prepare your child for kindergarten and develop the skills they need to become strong readers and successful students. Florida VPK quality standards ensure the program meets expectation for literacy skills-building, accountability, learning materials, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors.

What is VPK in education?

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.

What are the benefits of VPK?

Benefits of the VPK program: 1 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. 2 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. 3 VPK promotes a love of learning in children.

What is the mission of VPK?

Mission. “Lay the foundation for educational success by promoting a positive school experience where all young students will be prepared to enter school by providing quality education through school readiness services.”. Studies have shown that students who attend Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) generally do significantly better in kindergarten ...

When is the school year for VPK?

The School Year VPK program is available to children who are four years old on or before September 1st of the current school year. The program will operate during regular school days and follow the district’s school-year calendar. Transportation is provided by the parent.

Is VPK a free program?

Studies have shown that students who attend Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) generally do significantly better in kindergarten than students who have not participated in a prekindergarten school readiness program. VPK is a free, state-funded program.

2021-2022 Application Information

Applications for the 2021-2022 Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) HS/EHS program are NOW OPEN!

Important Information

Protect yourself and your community! Learn about COVID-19 vaccines in your area at Immunization and Vaccine Resources #SleeveUp4HeadStart

Head Start

The Head Start/Early Intervention Department administers the District’s Head Start (HS) Program, a federally funded program that offers free comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged children and families.

Early Head Start

Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally funded program that offers free comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged families with infants, toddlers, and pregnant woman.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

The Head Start/Early Intervention Department administers the District’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program, a State funded program that offers free instruction to Florida four-year-olds.