About the Webinar:
Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. Since the program began in 2005-06, more than 2.6 million children have benefited from VPK. Data collected by the Department of Education showed that children who participated in VPK were more likely to enter kindergarten ready for school, setting them on a path to learn, graduate, and succeed. Private, public, and charter schools, as well as private child care centers and specialized instructional services providers, offered VPK. Providers contracted with their early learning coalition to ensure the delivery of a high-quality program led by qualified instructors. This presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the VPK program, including the benefits of becoming a VPK Provider.
Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK)
Presenter:
- Cari Miller, Chancellor of Early Learning, Florida Department of Education
Date/Time: November 19, 2024
Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
View The Recording:
Session Summary
This presentation, "Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK)," by Cari Miller, Chancellor of Early Learning at the Florida Department of Education, provides a comprehensive overview of the state's VPK program. The session begins by highlighting the program's significance as a cornerstone of Florida's early learning landscape and emphasizes the importance of kindergarten readiness for long-term academic success.
The presentation delves into the specifics of the VPK program, including eligibility criteria, program options, and requirements for providers. It details the different types of VPK programs available, such as school-year and summer programs, and outlines the qualifications for instructors and the curriculum standards that must be met.
The session also addresses the assessment component of the VPK program, discussing the tools used to measure program quality and student progress. It highlights the importance of using assessment data to inform instruction and ensure that children are developing the necessary skills to succeed in kindergarten.
In addition to the core VPK program, the presentation explores additional opportunities and resources available to VPK providers, children, and families. This includes professional development opportunities for early learning professionals, free book distribution programs, and scholarship accounts to support literacy development.
The session concludes by emphasizing the importance of VPK accountability and the benefits of participating in the program. It highlights the positive impact VPK has on kindergarten readiness and underscores the value of early learning in setting children on a path to success.
Overall, the presentation provides a comprehensive and informative overview of Florida's VPK program, underscoring its crucial role in preparing young children for academic success and highlighting the opportunities and benefits it offers to providers, children, and families.