If you have a young child and live in the state of Florida, chances are you’ve heard of VPK- or seen it advertised on the sign of an early childhood center. I know I’ve seen the slogan “Free VPK” on a school’s billboard while driving. But unless you pull over or remember to look it up, you’re most likely wondering, what is VPK?

VPK stands for Voluntary Prekindergarten, and it’s a free program for 4 and 5-year-olds who live in Florida! The Early Learning Coalition can help parents enroll in VPK and find a child care provider who offers the VPK program in your area.

Okay, so why is VPK important?

That’s a fair question! Research shows that the most important growth and development in the brain occurs by the age of 5. In fact, in the first few years of life, more than one million new neural connections form every second! Structured early learning helps foster a child’s ability to follow directions, develop better language and reading skills, score higher on school-readiness tests, and have better social skills once they enter kindergarten. Plus, VPK can help promote a love of lifelong learning!

Remember, YOU are your child’s first teacher. In fact, it’s something that has been drilled into my brain ever since I became a parent myself. As a working mom, it can oftentimes be difficult to devote most of my time towards teaching my child early learning concepts within the household. Luckily, VPK enhances what a child learns at home. VPK classrooms are specially equipped with a developmentally appropriate curriculum, manageable class sizes, and qualified teachers to help ensure your child is successful for school and for life.

VPK curriculums typically focus on building healthy habits (important hygiene routines such as brushing teeth and washing hands); early literacy skills (learning how to identify words and write letters); mathematical and scientific thinking (learning outdoors in nature, introduction to STEM principles); social studies and art (identifying different family members and peers, crafting, and dance); and motor development (participating in active group activities).

While children are not required to attend a VPK program, here at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, we have a wealth of resources to help you learn more about VPK and determine whether the program is right for your child. Our staff is ready and willing to answer questions and assist you with finding a VPK provider!