The Pumpkin Patch VPK program offers free pre-kindergarten schooling for all children turning 4 year old on or before September 1 and residing in Florida, regardless of the income of the family.
The program provides children with early learning education to succeed in kindergarten and throughout life. It helps build a solid foundation for school using educational resources that are geared specifically for the various stages of a child’s development. Children are taught literacy skills, such as letter and sound recognition, which are essential for academic success. Each child also has access to qualified instructors and age appropriate curricula.
Click here to now register for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten and School Readiness!
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
The Pumpkin Patch VPK program is a free program for Florida's families. Participating in VPK gives parents an opportunity to help their children reach their full potential. High quality pre-k increases a child's chances of succeeding in school and earning more as adults. VPK is free for all children four years old on or before September 1 of the program year. There are no income requirements to be eligible for VPK.
During 2002, voters unanimously approved a ballot initiative for the state pay for a high quality voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program for every 4-year-old in Florida.
The program allows for 540 hours of education for a traditional school year (averages to be three hours per day but schedules vary by program) or a summer program with 300 hours of education (averages to be six hours per day but schedules vary by program). Parents may choose which program is best suited for their child.
HOW TO QUALIFY
The child must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before September of the current year to be eligible for VPK.
Parents have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to both programming and educational setting. The Pumpkin Patch is proud to be a provider of VPK.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registering for VPK can be done online by clicking here.
Parents can register 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
