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 is proud of our remarkable 92% Kindergarten Readiness 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.
As a high-quality VPK provider, we offer:
- 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
Why VPK Matters:
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!
