Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) is a legislatively mandated program designed to prepare every four-year-old in Florida for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. The VPK program gives each child an opportunity to perform better in school and throughout life with quality programs that include high literacy standards, accountability, appropriate curricula, substantial instruction periods, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors.
The Office of Early Learning oversees the program at the state level. Our Coalition implements the program in St. Lucie County by contracting with eligible public and private child care providers through an online application process, through the Office of Early Learning here:
http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/providers/forms-for-providers
VPK providers have flexibility in structuring the hours per day and days per week to meet the required instructional hours:
School Year Program – 540 instructional hours. Class sizes not to exceed 20 students with a teacher and an assistant. Instructors must have a minimum of a Child Development Associate for the school year program (now referred to as the Birth to Five Florida Child Care Professional Credential).
Summer Program – 300 instructional hours. Class sizes not to exceed 12 students with one teacher. Instructors must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
