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 727-233-8291
Head Start/VPK (Interview Required) (Online Pre-Application)
Families applying for Head Start with children who turn 4 years of age on or before September 1, 2021 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 - For more information click HERE
The District School Board of Pasco County offers the opportunity for a limited number of VPK students to attend a VPK classroom for 3 hours a day with the option to pay a weekly fee to stay all day. Veterans and Trinity Elementary schools may have up to 18 slots available. The other elementary schools listed on the flyer are Special Education inclusion/VPK classrooms. These classroom consists of children with a diagnosed disability (IEP) who can benefit from being around typically developing children (VPK). The VPK slots for ALL classrooms 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.
Summer VPK (Child will be 5 years of age on or before 9/1/2023)
Pasco County Schools will offer the Summer VPK program in June 2023. The specific schools will not be decided until April 2023.
The Summer VPK program provides instruction to age eligible Pasco County children who did not participate in a 540 hours school year VPK program at a pre-school/Head Start and who will be going into kindergarten in the fall of 2022.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Pasco County Schools Summer VPK program, you must first complete the state VPK online application and obtain your child's Certificate of Eligibility (COE) here.
Once your child's Summer VPK eligibility is confirmed by Pasco County Schools and the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, you will receive communication from the Pasco County Schools Early Childhood Programs Enrollment Coordinators.
For any other questions about enrolling in Summer VPK, please send an email to arussell@pasco.k12.fl.us or mmarian@pasco.k12.fl.us.
