Give Your Child a Strong Start with Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Free High-Quality Early Education for Florida’s 4-Year-Olds
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free, high-quality, three-hour-a-day program designed to prepare Florida’s 4-year-olds for kindergarten and build a strong foundation for future academic success.
YMCA of Southwest Florida Achieves 92% Kindergarten Readines
YMCA of Southwest Florida is proud of our remarkable 92% KindergartenReadiness Rate among its Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) students, significantly surpassing the statewide average of 51%. This outstanding achievement underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to early childhood education and its pivotal role in preparing young learners for academic success.
Age-appropriate curriculum focused on early literacy, math, and social development
Qualified instructors experienced in early childhood education
Small class sizes for personalized attention and support
Daily healthy snacks and lunch, provided at no cost
State data shows that children who complete VPK are:
- More prepared for kindergarten
- More likely to attend school regularly
- Equipped with essential social skills
- More likely to advance to the next grade
- More likely to graduate high school
Eligibility
- Must be 4 years old on or before September 1st of the current year
- Must be a Florida resident
Wrap Around Care Available
Need more than the standard VPK hours? Wrap Around Care is available for a small fee and includes additional care before and/or after VPK hours, aligned with our center’s full operating schedule.
Program Expectations
To ensure your child gets the most from this valuable opportunity, we emphasize:
- Regular attendance
- Timely drop-off
Help your child start strong with VPK—where learning, growth, and fun come together!