Most children in Florida start childcare/preschool between the ages of 1 and 2, depending on developmental readiness and potty training from age 3. Although VPK specifically focuses on 4-year-olds. Teachers and healthcare providers can help advise on timing.

What’s your teacher-to-child ratio and staff turnover?” “How do you handle behavior management and discipline?” “What’s a typical daily schedule like—structured vs. play-based?” “How often are toys and areas cleaned/sanitized?” “What are your sick-day and health policies?”

“What’s your teacher-to-child ratio and staff turnover?” “How do you handle behavior management and discipline?” “What’s a typical daily schedule like—structured vs. play-based?” “How often are toys and areas cleaned/sanitized?” “What are your sick-day and health policies?”

The Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free, state-funded early learning program for 4-year-olds in Florida, designed to build readiness for kindergarten. Children must turn 4 on or before September 1 of the current school year and live in Florida. Parents can enroll through the Family Portal beginning January 1 and choose either the school-year (540 hours) or summer (300 hours) option. 👉 Link for enrollment & eligibility: https://www.elcbroward.org/vpk

Once your child is age-eligible and you complete the online application via the Family Portal (starting January 1), you'll receive a Certificate of Eligibility—usually within about 10 calendar days—which you'll then deliver to the preschool of your choice.

VPK covers only the instructional hours. If your child stays beyond those hours (e.g., full-day care, snacks, or wraparound care), the preschool may charge additional fees—. Ask us for our full fee schedule.

School-year VPK: Up to 11 students per lead teacher, or 20 students if there's a teacher + assistant.