What is VPK?

The Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) is a no-cost educational program provided by the state for children that live in Florida and are 4 years old by September 1st of that school year. 

Why should I put my child in a VPK Program?

Studies demonstrate that children who complete VPK or attend even a portion of VPK are far more prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

What are the benefits of attending VPK with the Alachua County Public School? 

• More Hours! A typical school year VPK program will provide 3 hours per day (8am to 11am) for 180 school days for a total of 540 hours. The ACPS VPK Program will provide an entire school day (7:30am-1:30pm Monday-Friday with early release on 1 Wednesday per month at 12:30pm). 
• Kindergarten Readiness! VPK is a school readiness program that aims at preparing children for kindergarten. By having your child attend their zoned elementary school for VPK they will be more prepared to transition to kindergarten and better understand how their school operates. This will help them become excited about kindergarten and be able to excel in the more structured school environment. 
• Multiple Locations! The program is offered in several elementary schools across the district.  
• Free to all families! There are no registration or tuition fees with the ACPS VPK Program.

Who is eligible for the ACPS VPK Program?

School Year Program:

• For the 2024-2025 school year program, children must be 4 years old by September 1st, 2024. (flyer) 
• For the 2025-2026 school year program, children must be 4 years old by September 1st, 2025. (flyer) 

Summer Programs: Beginning the 2025 Summer, ACPS will offer 2 different programs: 

• The 2025 VPK Summer Program (300 hours) (flyer) is for children that were 4 years old by September 1st, 2024 and zoned to any Alachua County Public Schools. The location for the 2025 Summer VPK Program has not yet been determined. These students would have been 4 years old by September 1st, 2024 and DID NOT use their VPK Certificate of Eligibility (VPK Voucher) for the school year program. 
• The 2025 VPK Summer BRIDGE Program (100 hours) (flyer) is for children that were already enrolled in the 2024-2025 VPK School Year Program and scored under the 10th Percentile on PM3 of FAST or had a qualifying non-participation status on PM3 of FAST. These students would have been 4 years old by September 1st, 2024 and could have attended any VPK Program in Florida. 

When can I apply? 

Registration for the is currently open for all 4 program terms (2025-2026 School Year Program, 2024-2025 School Year Program, 2025 Summer Program, 2025 Summer BRIDGE Program). Spaces are limited. Please apply as soon as possible.

Step 1: Apply for the ACPS VPK Program at: www.tinyurl.com/ACPS-VPK.

Step 2: Apply for your VPK Voucher (Certificate of Eligibility) at: https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/

Please note, approval for your child's VPK Voucher does not guarantee enrollment in the ACPS VPK Program. 

How many hours does the VPK Voucher provide? 

The VPK School Year Program provides 540 hours. The VPK Summer Program provides 300 hours and the VPK Summer BRDIGE Program provides 100 hours.

By attending VPK with the Alachua County Public Schools, students will receive a full school day for the school year program instead of just the 3 hour VPK day. 

To apply for your child's VPK Voucher, visit the Division of Early Learning Family Portal at: 

https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/

1. Establish a user account

2. Complete the application and scan/submit any necessary documents. 

3. Submit your application. 

You will receive an email from your local Early Learning Coalition (ELC) with further instructions. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (Voucher) from the ELC that you will take to the VPK Provider that you wish your child to attend.