Pasco County Schools is committed to supporting families and giving every child a joyful, developmentally rich start to learning. Our Early Childhood Programs team believes learning is fun, families are essential partners in their child’s education, and high‑quality early learning experiences help children enter kindergarten confident, prepared, and excited to learn.
Eligibility: Children who reside in Florida and are 4 years old on or before September 1 of the applying year.
What VPK Offers:
• 540 Instructional Hours, funded by the VPK Voucher issued by the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando.
• Option to extend to a full school day *fee based
• Hands-on, play‑based learning aligned with Florida Early Learning and Development Standards
• Focus on early literacy, math, social–emotional development, and strong foundational skills
• Encourages creativity, exploration, problem‑solving, and joyful learning
• Located at multiple Pasco County elementary school sites
Our learning environments ensure children are safe, encouraged, and challenged—while building the essential skills needed for kindergarten success.
To submit an application, choose the VPK program year your child is eligible to attend, and follow the steps below as listed.
Apply for VPK Certificate of Eligibility Here
For support with the VPK Certificate, contact the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando
HUDSON OFFICE:
12107 Majestic Blvd.
Hudson, FL 34667
Business Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:00am- 5:00pm
Friday by Appointment Only
PH: (727) 233-8291
The information below provides fee information for the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program with Pasco County Schools.
Free VPK
All children who reside in Florida and turn four years old on or before September 1, 2026, are eligible to participate in the State’s free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. This program includes 540 hours of free instruction each year and is offered during the first three hours of the school day. School hours vary by location, families can review current bell schedules, noting that times are subject to change.
Head Start / VPK
The Head Start / VPK program provides eligible families with a full school day of high‑quality early learning experiences that support school readiness, social‑emotional growth, and overall child development. This option combines the comprehensive services of Head Start with Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, preparing children for kindergarten while supporting families every step of the way. Children may qualify based on age and family circumstances, including income guidelines, foster care, or housing instability. Children must also meet Florida’s VPK age requirements by turning 4 on or before September 1st of the applying school year.
Free VPK Alternative Schedule
Two school locations offer a Free VPK Program with an alternative scheduling structure. Families may choose for their child to attend full school days on Mondays and Wednesdays with a three‑hour session on Friday mornings, or full school days on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a three‑hour session on Friday afternoons. See schools listed with ** on the VPK Program Location Page.
VPK Parent Pay (Full Day Option)
Families may choose to extend the three-hour free VPK instructional time with additional hours through a fee-supported option known as VPK Parent Pay. This creates a seamless full-day experience, allowing children to remain in a structured learning environment for the remainder of the school day. This option supports families who prefer a full-day educational schedule while giving children additional opportunities to learn, play, and explore.
VPK Parent Pay with Wrap-Around Care
At select VPK Parent Pay locations, families may also choose a wrap‑around option. Wrap-around services include before‑school care beginning at 7:00 a.m. and after‑school care lasting until 5:30 p.m. This extended coverage is designed to support working families who need care beyond the school day while keeping children in a familiar, nurturing environment. See schools listed in Bold on the VPK Program Location Page.
|
Program Options |
VPK Hours Only |
Full Day (School Hours) |
Wrap Around (7:00-5:30)
|
|
Weekly Fee |
FREE with Voucher |
$175 |
$250
|
Bexley Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Centennial Elementary School- Frozen
Connerton Elementary School- Available
Cotee River Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Denham Oaks Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Double Branch Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Fox Hollow Elementary School*- Available
Gulf Highlands Elementary- Available
Gulf Trace Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Hudson Primary Academy*- Available
Kirkland Ranch K-8- Frozen
Lake Myrtle Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Longleaf Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Oakstead Elementary School- Available
Odessa Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Quail Hollow Elementary School- Frozen
San Antonio Elementary School**- Available
Schrader Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Shady Hills Elementary School*- Available
Seven Oaks Elementary School- Frozen
Seven Springs Elementary School- Waitlist Only
Skybrooke K-8- Waitlist Only
Sunray Elementary School*- Waitlist Only
Trinity Elementary School**- Available
Veterans Elementary School- Available
West Zephyrhills Elementary School- Frozen
School Status as of 10/20/2026
Available: Accepting Applications
Waitlist Only: Accepting applications to be added to the waitlist
Frozen: No longer accepting applications- all spots have been filled, waitlist at capacity.
VPK 2026-2027 School Year Application Steps
Child must be 4 years old on or before 9/1/2026.
VPK Certificates are available beginning January 1, 2026.
Directions for Applying/Retrieving COE
Note: You DO NOT need to create a Pasco Parent Portal to apply for VPK.
Step 1: Create a FL Early Learning Family Portal and submit an application for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Certificate of Eligbility/Voucher.
Step 2: You will receive an email that your application has been approved by the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando. Sender name DO NOT REPLY. Once this email is received, log back into your FL Early Learning Family Portal and download the COE. Save file as a PDF as Last Name, First Initial COE.
Now accepting applications for school sites with available and waitlist status' only.
Step 3: Apply for VPK with Pasco County Schools Here
Notifications: Ongoing until all spots have been filled and waitlists reach capacity.
Note that space is limited, and applications are processed in the order received. Acceptance is not guaranteed.
Questions? Contact us at 813-981-7301
VPK 2027-2028 School Year Application Steps
Child must be 4 years old on or before 9/1/2027.
VPK Certificates are available beginning January 1, 2027.
2027-2028 VPK Program options and application steps coming soon!
Department Navigation
PROGRAM INFORMATION
- Head Start Application and Interview Information
- VPK Application Here
- Head Start Required Documents
- Head Start Definitions of Income
- Early Childhood Programs Site Locations Map
- School Boundaries
Policy Council
Annual Reports
Community Assessment
Important Links
Parent Engagement
Other Important Links
- HURRICANE RESOURCES
- (FDLRS) Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource Systems
- Florida Head Start Association
- Florida VPK
- Head Start/Early Head Start Welcome Video
- National Head Start Association
- Poverty Guidelines
- Head Start Community Resources (Espanol)
- Head Start Bus Van Safety Video
- Walk This Way Video
