Early Learning/Prekindergarten

Bureau of Voluntary Prekindergarten

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Parent Resources

Research shows clearly that children are more likely to succeed in learning when their families actively support them. Recognizing parents as their child’s first teacher the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Voluntary Prekindergarten is pleased to provide parents with the resources to help children in Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) through third grade, succeed in reading and mathematics.

Online Resources

Bright Beginnings

Includes resources and strategies designed to help parents get involved in their child’s education. This website also has numerous links to other sites to assist families and children as they prepare to read, write and learn math.

Department of Children and Families

The Department of Children and Families web site has information about child care regulations and a provider search for help in locating child care providers in your area.

Florida Department of Education

Families have unique needs for their children in the education arena. The Department has compiled information from various areas to assist you in learning more about our services.

VPK Readiness Rate Website

The VPK Kindergarten Readiness Rate web site allows the public to access and compare the readiness rate of providers in their area. Customized views of VPK Provider Readiness Rate Reports are available for School-Year and Summer Programs. It also includes lists of 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08, Low Performing Providers.

Publications

Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) Parent Responsibility Brochure (PDF, 225KB) – April 2011
Your child is required to participate in the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) in the first 30 days of kindergarten. All kindergarten students who attend kindergarten in the public schools will automatically be screened. If your child will attend kindergarten in a non-public school, you are responsible for having your child screened. Be sure to check with your child's kindergarten school to make sure your child is screened.
Choosing Appropriate Learning Activities and Curricula (PDF, 189KB) - February 2012
The VPK Education Standards identify what children should know and be able to do by the end of their VPK experience. Not every child will be able to master every skill within the VPK Education Standards because of the great deal of variability within the age and skill levels among four year olds. While mastery of the VPK Education Standards can be viewed as an outcome of VPK participation, it is recognized that there are many different ways to help children learn new skills and concepts. This document is provided to help families understand what an appropriate curriculum should include.
What Families of Preschool Children with Special Needs Should Know about the Summer VPK Program (PDF, 346KB) - March 2013
What Families of Preschool Children with Special Needs Should Know about the Summer VPK Program - Spanish Version (PDF, 308KB) - March 2013
This fact sheet has been written to provide information about the Summer VPK Program and to explain what you, as the family of a child with special needs, can expect.