What is Voluntary Prekindergarten?
Voluntary Prekindergarten or VPK is a free program that gives children a jump start by preparing them for school and enhancing their pre-reading, pre-math, language and social skills. By developing the skills children need to become strong readers and students at an early age, children are more likely to be successful in school. VPK classrooms offer high-quality programs that include literacy standards, developmentally appropriate curricula, manageable class sizes and qualified teachers.
If you live in Florida and have a child who turns four years of age by September 1, your child is eligible for Florida's FREE VPK program! Your child can attend one of the two programs offered annually. The school year program includes 540 hours of instructional time and begins in August. The summer program consists of 300 instructional hours and can begin as early as May 1.
Benefits of Early Education and the VPK Program
The most important growth and development in the brain happens by the age of five. The early years are the learning years for children -- this is when a child's ability to be attentive and follow directions emerges. Structured early learning fosters these abilities for later success in school and in life.
Prekindergarten prepares children to be ready for school. Children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programs develop better language skills; score higher in school-readiness tests; and have better social skills and fewer behavioral problems once they enter school. Finally, prekindergarten promotes a love of learning in children. It enhances what a child learns at home and instills a love of life-long learning.
How to Register for VPK in Monroe County
Wesley House Family Services is contracted with and receives funding through the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/ Monroe to provide all VPK services in Monroe County. You may call 305-809-5000 or stop by any Wesley House office (Key West, Marathon or Tavernier) for more information.
VPK registration for the school year is a two-step process. Step 1: Visit one of our Wesley House offices to complete an application, and bring photocopies of the following documentation:
a. Proof you reside in Florida (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
b. Proof your child turns four years of age by September 1 (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
Families with eligible children will receive a certificate of eligibility. Please keep this document in a safe place as you will need it to enroll your child in the participating VPK program of your choice.
Step 2 is to visit the participating VPK provider of your choice with your certificate of eligibility to enroll your four-year-old in VPK.
Monroe County VPK School Year Registration
Wesley House : 1304 Truman Avenue : Key West, FL
(305) 809-5000 : M-F 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Wesley House : 175 Wrenn Street : Tavernier, FL
(305) 853-3244 : M-F 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Wesley House : 2796 Overseas Highway : Suite 202 : Marathon, FL
(305) 289-2390 : Tuesday and Thursday 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Please call 305-296-5557 or 305-809-5000 with any questions regarding required documents and/or registration
To view a list of Monroe County VPK Providers, click here:
Monroe County VPK Providers 2009-2010
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR CHILD CARE OR VPK ONLINE
*Certain documented hardship and good cause exceptions may apply.
For the summer VPK program, any child who lives in Florida and turned four years of age by September 1, is eligible as long as they did not previously participate in the school-year VPK program.* The summer program consists of 300 instructional hours and is offered through both private child care and public school providers in Monroe County. Daily schedules can range anywhere from 5 to 7 hours.
Click here for VPK Round Up Registration Info:
English Version
Spanish Version
Contact Us:
VPK@WesleyHouse.org
305.809.5000
or The Early Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe
305-296-5557
