Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) is a state funded early learning program designed to prepare children for success in kindergarten.

 

What is the difference between VPK and Head Start? Click here to find out.

 

Eligibility for VPK is determined through the Pasco-Hernando Early Learning Coalition.  

 

School year VPK (540 Hours) is not offered through the Pasco County School District like it is through private providers. Parents who are looking for the three hour a day VPK program should take their child's Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the daycare/pre-school of their choice.

For a list of VPK providers please contact the Early Learning Coalition at 727-569-1004 or 352-834-0052

 

Head Start/VPK (Interview Required) (Online Pre-Application - no uploading of documents)

Families applying for Head Start with children who turn 4 years of age on or before September 1, 2020 must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) online through the Early Learning Coalition. In order to obtain your child's COE, you will have to create a Family Portal account and complete the online VPK Application. To access the Family Portal website click here.

 

VPK at Select Elementary Schools (Click here for the 2021-2022 flyer and link to apply) 

The District School Board of Pasco County offers the opportunity for a limited number of VPK students to attend a Special Education inclusion/VPK class. This classroom consists of children with a diagnosed disability (IEP) who can benefit from being around typically developing children (VPK). The VPK slots for this classroom are on a first come, first serve basis. VPK children are encouraged to stay beyond the three hours a day for a fee. Please do not call the elementary schools.

If you are interested in your child attending a VPK class then click here to apply online for the VPK Certificate. Once you receive your child's Certificate of Eligibility (COE) email it to Meg Koen at mkoen@pasco.k12.fl.us.

 

Summer VPK (Child will be 5 years of age on or before 9/1/2021)

Public school summer VPK sites are typically determined by the School Board around April. Please check back with us then if you are interested. 

Please do not call the elementary schools. All VPK applications and eligibility determination is done through the Pasco-Hernando Early Learning Coalition and Pasco County Early Childhood Programs.

In order to complete a VPK online application for the Summer VPK program please click here.

After obtaining your child's Certificate of Eligibility (COE) email it to arussell@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Summer VPK provides instruction to age eligible Pasco County children who did not participate in a 540 hour school year VPK program at a pre-school or attended Head Start and who will be going into kindergarten in the fall.

For any other questions about VPK, please send an email to arussell@pasco.k12.fl.us.