The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) was implemented in 2002 in order to give all of Florida's four-year-olds access to a free, quality prekindergarten educational experience. The VPK program is free to families and does not have any income requirements or restrictions. Families can enroll their four-year-old in the 540-hour School-Year VPK Program OR the 300-hour Summer VPK Program.

The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) is designed to prepare Florida 's children for kindergarten and develop the skills they need to become good readers and successful students. VPK includes standards for literacy skills, strict accountability, appropriate curricula, substantial instruction periods, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors. Parents have the option of enrolling children in a school-year program that consists of 540 instructional hours, OR a summer program, consisting of 300 instructional hours. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County administers the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program at the local level which includes registering child care providers and providing applications and information to parents.

Summer VPK Program vs. School Year VPK Programs

Parents have two choices for enrolling their children in the VPK program: 1) a 540-instructional hour school year program and 2) a 300-instructional hour summer program. A four-year-old can attend either program, but not both. Children five years of age who are eligible to enter kindergarten are NOT eligible to attend VPK school year program.

2008 - 2009 VPK SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM

Children who reside in Florida and are born September 2, 2003 to September 1, 2004 are eligible to attend the 2008 - 2009 VPK School Year Program or the 2009 Summer VPK Program. In Hillsborough, the 2008 - 2009 VPK School Year Program is offered in approved private child care centers and family child care homes. The VPK School Year Program is not offered in any school district elementary schools.

Parents MUST register for both programs in person at a VPK registration location. Registration cannot be completed online or by fax or phone, or at a child care facility.

2009 SUMMER VPK PROGRAM

Children who reside in Florida, who were born between September 2, 2003 to September 1, 2004, and are eligible to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2009 may participate in a Summer VPK Program. However, if your child has attended a portion of a school year VPK program already, their eligibility may be effected. Parents of children who have attended a portion of a school year VPK program should call to verify eligibility before registering for Summer VPK.

Summer VPK is offered at certain Hillsborough County School District elementary schools and a select number of private child care centers throughout the county.

Parents CANNOT yet register their children for the 2009 Summer VPK Program. Parents seeking to enroll their children in the 2009 Summer VPK Program should check in mid-March for details on how and where to register.

Eligibility

VPK is open to all children who reside in the state of Florida and who are four years old. Age eligibility requirements are as follows:

• If your child was born September 2, 2003 - Sept. 1, 2004, they are eligible for the 2008-2009 School Year Program.
  
• If your child was born September 2, 2003 - September 1, 2004, they are eligible for the 2009 Summer VPK Program.

Children may participate in the VPK program once. Once a child is eligible to enter kindrgarten, they are no longer eligible to participate in VPK. If you aren't sure about your child's eligiblity, please call (813) 740-4713.