Research shows that young children benefit from attending high-quality early learning programs. They typically have better outcomes when starting kindergarten, including less anxiety, fewer behavior problems, and better academic success.
There is plenty of evidence that children who attend early learning programs have more success starting school. However, many parents are unsure where to find high-quality, affordable early learning and preschool programs.
Fortunately, families in Florida can access high-quality early learning programs at no cost. The state’s voluntary pre-kindergarten program (VPK) offers every four-year-old the chance to get high-quality education the year before kindergarten.
This article will explore what the VPK program is, how it works, and why it can benefit children in Florida. Reach out to the educators at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn more about VPK or our other early education programs.
What is the Meaning of VPK?
If you are a parent in Florida, it’s likely you’ve heard the term “VPK.” But what does this term mean?
VPK stands for “voluntary pre-kindergarten.” Florida began offering free, high-quality VPK programs in 2005. Since then, more than 2.6 million children in the states have participated in this incredible program.
Voluntary prekindergarten programs can occur in several settings, including private child care centers and public schools. Children can attend this free prekindergarten program the year before kindergarten.
Children may attend VPK when they are four years old. Parents may also wait until the following year when their child will delay the start of school because of a summer birthday.
Two VPK programs occur throughout the year. Here is a quick overview of these program options.
School-year VPK
The school year program provides 540 hours of instructional time. Children learn in small class sizes. Each early childhood educator has no more than 11 students on their own. A teacher and assistant can have up to 20 students.
School-year VPK teachers must have a Florida Child Care Professional credential. This ensures educators can maintain consistent, high-quality childhood education programs.
Summer VPK
The VPK summer program provides 300 instructional hours. Children who participate in a summer VPK benefit from educational activities, play, and hands-on learning that support kindergarten readiness.
Teachers in a VPK summer program must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Class sizes are small, with each teacher having up to 12 students.
Research shows that voluntary prekindergarten education programs are effective. Children who attend a VPK are better prepared for kindergarten and more successful in school than those who do not.
What Do Children Learn in VPK?
High-quality VPK programs follow an evidence-based curriculum that supports kindergarten readiness. Experienced teachers use this curriculum to create engaging lessons and activities that focus on kindergarten readiness skills.
Here are some of the things a VPK curriculum focuses on.
STEM
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are core subjects throughout elementary school. Introducing these topics before children start kindergarten can be beneficial to their lifelong learning.
A VPK program uses hands-on, immersive activities to introduce these complex topics, including:
- Building with blocks and other materials
- Exploring how simple machines work
- Paying attention to signs of changing seasons
- Using simple graphs to record information
- Planting seeds
- Exploring the water cycle
- Learning to recognize numbers and count
Building a solid foundation of STEM skills before kindergarten can help children better understand these complex concepts later on.
Literacy
Literacy is one of the most important aspects of a voluntary prekindergarten program. The VPK curriculum introduces literacy through stories, songs, and play. Children learn:
- How to recognize letters
- How to say the alphabet
- New vocabulary words
- How to communicate more clearly with others
- What sounds letters make
- How to explore books
- Simple rhymes
Children may act out stories, sing songs, have conversations, and more.
The VPK curriculum can help children to develop a good foundation of literacy skills. It can also help children learn to love reading and writing, which will benefit them throughout elementary school and beyond.
Social-emotional skills
Starting kindergarten is a significant milestone. Children must navigate complex social and emotional problems all day. Giving children tools and helping them understand and manage emotions can help them feel more confident as they start school.
The VPK curriculum focuses on helping children to develop resilience, respect, and empathy. It allows children to approach new problems with confidence. Children learn that they are a valuable member of a community. They identify their own feelings, recognize others’ emotions, and learn healthy coping strategies.
Children who begin school with these skills typically have better outcomes in kindergarten and beyond. They may feel more confident in a classroom setting, have fewer behavior issues, and are academically prepared for kindergarten learning.
Find a VPK
Voluntary prekindergarten programs are available to all children residing in Florida at no cost, regardless of family income. Learn more about this incredible early learning program by contacting the educators at Little Sunshine Preschool or your local early learning coalition.
