Free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Registration Opens, All Palm Beach County Four Year-Olds Qualify

Registration for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) for the 2021-2022 school year has opened. VPK is a free program designed to prepare four-year-old children for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. VPK is available to all four-year-olds that reside in Florida, regardless of family income. The program covers the cost for 540 hours of education during a full academic year. 

VPK provides an early childhood educational experience that supports the development of early literacy, pre-math skills, scientific thinking, and social and emotional development. 

“We know children who attend VPK are more ready to learn in Kindergarten than those who don’t,” stated Aruna Gilbert, Chief Program Officer at Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County. “Our staff is equipped to help guide families through the online registration process.” 

Enrolling is simple and can be completed from a phone or computer at any time: 

1. Determine if your child is eligible – if they’re four by September 1st, 2021 and you live in Palm Beach County, they’re eligible this year! (Four by September 1, 2022, the application opens in January 2022.) 

2. Enroll by completing the simple online application – you can do it from your phone!* 

3. Choose a local VPK provider 

*Please note enrollment certificates take a few days to come back to you as finalized. 

Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County is ready to assist with VPK Registration and provider selection. Families are encouraged to visit their website (https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/voluntary-prekindergarten-vpk or call the Family Resource Line at 561-514-3300. 

“The best way a parent can prepare their child for school is to enroll them in VPK. By joining a VPK classroom, students have a safe space to explore, learn and develop socially and emotionally,” says Gilbert. “The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program helps prepare students for school, and for life.” 

About Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County 

The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County (ELCPBC) is dedicated to building community-wide commitment for comprehensive, high-quality early learning environments that benefit the children and families of Palm Beach County. Through state and scholarship programs, ELCPBC ensures every child in Palm Beach County is ready to succeed in school and life. ELCPBC plays an active role in providing equitable education opportunities for children, and training for both parents and local education providers. For more information, visit www.elcpalmbeach.org.