What is VPK? Why Is it Important?

Parents want to provide their children with the best education possible, particularly when it comes down to it. Florida’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program (VPK) is designed to provide free preschool education for all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income.
Baby Fox Academy understands the importance of early childhood education for a child’s future. We are proud to provide high-quality VPK in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas. These programs help children develop academic and social skills that will prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
Contact Us
941-953-FOXY Sarasota
941-359-FOXY Lakewood Ranch
This blog will cover all you need to learn about VPK Florida including eligibility requirements and benefits. We’ll also explain how to apply for Baby Fox Academy, the best option for your child’s education.
Why choose VPK at Baby Fox Academy?
Not all VPKs are created equal. Baby Fox Academy takes a unique approach, combining structured, fun learning with play-based activities. Our educators are trained to ensure that the children develop key skills and enjoy learning.
What makes VPK unique?
Curriculum of High Quality
Our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) curriculum is carefully designed to prepare children for Kindergarten by focusing on:
- Language and Literacy: Building strong communication and reading skills.
- Math & Science: Introduction to foundational numeracy.
- Encouraging Curiosity and Independent Thinking.
- Social and Emotional Development: Teaching cooperation, sharing, self-confidence, and emotional growth.
We aim to create a fun and stimulating environment where children can develop a lifelong love of learning.
Experienced and Passionate Teachers
Teachers at Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs have many years of experience in early childhood education. Our educators personalize the learning experience to meet each child’s individual needs, ensuring they feel confident and ready for their next educational step.
Safe and Nurturing Environment
We place safety and comfort as a priority at Baby Fox Academy. Our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten classrooms are interactive, engaging, and structured to allow children to learn and explore in a safe and supportive setting.
What are the different VPK program options?
Florida’s VPK Program offers three options to meet the needs of every family.
One School Year Program
- 540 hours of instruction
- Morning sessions are usually offered
- Play-based learning and structured learning are the main focus of this program
Summer Program
- Three hundred instructional hours
- Learning is accelerated with a more advanced learning experience
- The perfect gift for kids who turn four after the start of school.
Three Specialized Instructional Services Programs (SIS)
- Hours may vary depending on individual needs
- Specially designed for children with special requirements
- You must have an Individualized Education Plan developed in conjunction with your local school district
The VPK SIS Program can help your child thrive in a school setting if they have special learning needs.
Contact Us
941-953-FOXY Sarasota
941-359-FOXY Lakewood Ranch
Who is eligible for VPK in Florida
For your child to be eligible for a VPK, they must fulfill the following requirements.
The child must be a resident of Florida and turn four years old by September 1st.
VPK is open to children who have never been enrolled in VPK.
VPK is free of charge for all eligible children. This gives parents the opportunity to give their child a good start in life without having to worry about finances.
How to apply for VPK in Florida
Registration for VPK is easy and straightforward. To secure your child’s place, follow these steps:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Choose a Program
Decide if your child is eligible for the program and whether you would prefer the summer, school-year or SIS.
Step 2: Fill out the online VPK application
Parents can apply to VPK as early as January 1, the year that their child turns four. The application is accepted all year round, so your child can enroll even if school has already begun.
Visit Baby Fox Academy to register or apply online via Florida’s Early Learning Website.
Step 3: Get a Certificate for Eligibility
You will be issued a VPK certificate of eligibility, which you must use to enroll your child with a service provider of your choosing.
Step 4: Select Baby Fox Academy to be your VPK provider
Complete our enrollment process by submitting your Certificate of Eligibility at Baby Fox Academy, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.
Step 5: Get ready for your child’s first day!
Get your child prepared for a fun-filled journey of growth and learning at Baby Fox Academy once you enroll them!
VPK Providers Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch
Families living in Sarasota County can choose from a wide range of VPK providers, including
- Private childcare centers
- Children’s centers based on faith
- Public School Sites
- Head Start programs
- Family childcare homes are licensed
We are Baby Fox Academy and we’re proud to be the leading VPK provider for Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch. We are the best choice for your child’s early education because we focus on fun learning and quality education.
Early Childhood Education is Important
Children who attend high quality preschool programs are more likely to:
Improve your reading and math skills during elementary school
Improve your social and communication skills
You are more likely to achieve academic success in the future
Confidence and independence
Enrolling your child in VPK will give them the tools they need to succeed in kindergarten.
Enroll your child at Baby Fox Academy Today.
Baby Fox Academy – Sarasota
941-953-1856 | 941-359-FOXY
Baby Fox Academy, Lakewood Ranch
941-359-3699 | 941-359-FOXY
Email: info@babyfoxacademy.com
Enroll your child in VPK today at Baby Fox Academy!
Final Thoughts
Florida’s VPK Program is a great way for children to learn essential skills, meet new friends and prepare for Kindergarten in a nurturing and fun environment.
Baby Fox Academy is committed to providing your child with the best possible early education. We are the best choice for VPKs in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding areas because of our highly-trained educators, engaging curriculum and safe learning environments.
Apply today to set your child’s future on a bright path!