Young children are naturally curious about their environments, people, and the world in general. For many years, kindergarten was seen as a young child’s first introduction to formal classroom learning.
But as we’ve learned more about how children grow and develop, it has become clear that the early years are a time of enormous growth and learning. In fact, a child’s brain develops more in the first five years of life than at any other time.
Early childhood education experts understand the importance of this time in a child’s life. Preschool-aged children are capable of learning basic concepts that can help them understand broader and more complex subjects later in life. Pre-K programs can provide little learners with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge that will benefit them in kindergarten and beyond.
If you live in Florida and have a preschool-aged child, you may have heard about the state’s voluntary prekindergarten–or VPK–program. Many people wonder, what is the difference between pre-K and VPK in Florida?
This article will outline what these programs are, how they are different, and how to determine which is the best fit for your child. Reach out to the dedicated educators at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn more about our pre-K and VPK programs or to schedule a tour of our center.
Pre-K: Understanding the Basics
Pre-kindergarten programs are often referred to as “pre-K” programs. They are a child’s first introduction to formal education and can give kids the skills and experience they need to transition successfully into kindergarten.
Pre-K programs offer educational activities geared toward young learners. Skilled educators create a warm, welcoming environment and provide many opportunities for children to learn about numbers, letters, science, and other fundamental subjects.
Pre-K programs also focus on the social-emotional aspects of classroom learning. Lessons may focus on developing empathy, identifying and naming emotions, and using healthy emotional regulation skills. Children are encouraged to be active in their education and to learn how to adapt to a schedule and others’ needs.
The goal of a pre-K program is to provide a well-rounded education and foster creativity in a nurturing, supportive environment. Children in pre-K programs learn how to be good classroom community members and arrive at kindergarten with an excellent foundation of literacy and math skills.
VPK: Basics and Benefits
Research shows that children benefit from attending a high-quality pre-K program. Florida began to offer a free, voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program nearly two decades ago, which has benefited over 2.6 million children in the state.
The primary goal of VPK programs is to prepare children for kindergarten. Pre-K programs offer broad school-readiness activities and focus on a wide range of subjects and skills. A VPK program is different in that it takes a more focused approach to preparing children for kindergarten.
A VPK curriculum focuses heavily on the literacy, math, and social skills children need to thrive in kindergarten and throughout elementary school. Educational activities focus on teaching children to recognize letters and letter sounds, to identify numbers, and to use them to count and perform simple math problems. Children also learn to follow a school routine, listen to a teacher, and work well with other children.
Voluntary prekindergarten is available to all four-year-olds living in Florida at no cost to their families. Children may attend sessions during the school year that total 540 instructional hours and 300 instructional hours over the summer.
A VPK program can bridge the gap between a play-based school or daycare program and give children the tools they need to succeed in kindergarten. Research has shown that children who attend VPK are better prepared for kindergarten and have better outcomes in kindergarten and throughout elementary school.
Pre-K or VPK: Which One is Right For My Child?
Pre-K and VPK programs can both provide essential enrichment and education for young children and lead to success in kindergarten.
One of the most important differences between a pre-K program and VPK is the scope. Pre-K programs focus on broader school readiness skills, while the VPK curriculum focuses primarily on literacy, math, and social skills.
One of the most significant benefits of a VPK in Florida is that it is available to all children in the state at no cost to families, regardless of income. Your child must turn four years old on or before September 1st, and you must be able to prove residency in Florida to enroll in a Florida VPK.
VPK programs are available in many public and private settings. You can learn more about the exceptional VPK at Little Sunshine Preschool by contacting our admissions specialists now.
Find a VPK in Florida
If you are the parent of a four-year-old–or a child who will be four soon–reach out to the team at Little Sunshine Preschool now to learn about our Pre-K and VPK programs in New Port Richey. Our experienced teachers and nurturing environment offer the ideal introduction to school for the littlest learners.
Reach out today to learn more about what we do or to schedule a tour of our center. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon.
