Vpk Program

Hi K.! Your son does need to be 4 before you apply. Most centers that offer VPK don't even begin opening slots until just before the school year starts though so you have plenty of time. I'd recommend researching the facilities your're interested in and find one that you like, that way when they start enrolling you can make sure you're first in line to get him signed up. Ask about the cirriculum, how the students performed (how many completed the course) in the previous year and how many students they enroll for each school year. You can also ask for a VPK Parent Handbook (my daughter's school gave us one) or visit www.flready.com or www.vpkflorida.org for more information. As long as you son turns 4 before the start of the next school year he should be good to go for VPK.

Well if you live in Orange county then this site should be helpful.
http://www.elcoforangecounty.org/vpk.html

Another resource
http://www.floridajobs.org/earlylearning/VPK%20Program.html

I found this site helpful when I deciding where to send my daughter. It rates the providers.
https://vpk.fldoe.org/InfoPages/ReportCriteria.aspx

Good Luck and God Bless!
H.

the state of FL actually pays for all of VPK(or most of depending on the school)--which is 4x week for 4 hours a day.
The child needs to be 4 by Sept 1st to start that school year--just like they would need to be 5 by Sept 1 if they were starting Kindergarten.
Though VPK is state funded--it is offered by private schools and preschools and not part of the normal locals schools system-so you would need to seek out the schools that offer VPK programs in your area--and you will find that almost all preschools offer it. You can choose any one you like--many of them are totally paid for by the state--but others offer longer or "plus" programs that you would still need to pay for some of the tuition out of pocket.
So as far as registering for the next school year and when it starts--you would need to find a school you like,and contact them about when registration is for the Fall. Most schools start around Feb of the same year--so you have plenty of time for next Fall to tour schools and find out which one you like.

You should most definitely try and enroll him before he turns 4 since most preschools start enrolling for VPK in March. You are allowed to enroll them before they turn 4, just as long as they'll be 4 by the time the school year starts.
Most of the better preschools will have waiting lists and/or current kids that go to the daycare/preschool that are waiting for VPK so it's best to get a head start.
Good luck finding a good place! Let us know if you need any recommendations for preschools in your area!
S.

VPK has "round ups" usually starting in February so you can can your certificate for VPK. Individual schools usually start registration in the spring. You can go to Seminole county early learning program website or call them ###-###-####. Hope this helps.

Yes there is no rush to it. When it is time to do his papers which you can do in the summer u will just have to go to your 4C office and let them know you will be applying for VPK make sure u have your school picked out cause it makes it easier. I just enrolled my son in VPK this yr and I did it about a month before school started so dont feel like you need to rush. Take a breath Mommy you have plenty of time!!! ANymore questions please feel free to ask. Also not sure if you are looking to put him in school early but I know my sons school offers early prek for 3 yr olds and the cost is 240 a month and there is a program called headstart which is funded by the state also.