Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK

Act with Integrity

Exceed Expectations

Invest in our Staff, Families,
and Community

Inspire Innovation in
Early Childhood Education

How the Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK Program Supports Your Child’s First Learning Steps

If you’re a parent in Sarasota, you’ve probably heard about the VPK program. Maybe someone at your child’s daycare mentioned it. Or maybe you saw something about it on social media. Either way, you might be wondering what it is and how to sign up.

The Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK program helps parents give their kids a strong start. VPK stands for Voluntary Prekindergarten. It’s a free program that gets your child ready for school. In Florida, all 4-year-olds can take part in it. No income requirement. No catch.

Let’s break down what VPK is, why it matters, and how Baby Fox Academy helps your child make the most of it.

What does the Fox say?

What Is the Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK Program?

The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County offers local families access to free VPK services. This means your child can go to a high-quality pre-K program before they start kindergarten, at no cost to you.

Florida created the VPK program to help kids build early reading, math, and social skills. These skills shape how they do in school later on. The program is available during the school year or summer. Parents can choose what works best for them.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Your child must be 4 years old on or before September 1.

  • You must live in Florida.

  • The program is free through providers approved by the Early Learning Coalition.

That’s it.

Why Early Learning Matters

Kids learn fast. Even before they speak clearly, they’re picking up everything around them. This is why the early years matter so much. During this time, kids learn how to:

  • Pay attention

  • Solve simple problems

  • Share and work with others

  • Talk clearly

  • Understand numbers and letters

These might seem basic, but they set the stage for how your child will handle school in the years to come.

Studies show that children in strong early learning programs do better in reading and math later on. They’re also more confident. And they often stay ahead through the rest of their school years.

That’s what the Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK program is all about. It’s about giving your child a head start, not just in school but in life.

What to Expect in a VPK Classroom

A good VPK program doesn’t feel like school in the traditional sense. There are no desks in rows or long lectures. Instead, your child learns through play, music, stories, and hands-on activities.

At Baby Fox Academy, VPK students explore numbers, letters, shapes, and colors in a way that feels fun. They build with blocks. They sing. They play outside. They take turns. All of this builds brain power and social skills.

The goal is to help each child:

  • Speak clearly and listen well

  • Recognize letters and numbers

  • Use simple logic to solve small problems

  • Follow directions

  • Work in a group

And it’s not just about skills. Kids also learn how to feel confident, how to express their feelings, and how to make friends. These “soft skills” are just as important as reading or math.

Why Choose Baby Fox Academy for VPK?

We know you have choices when it comes to VPK providers in Sarasota. But here’s why many local families choose Baby Fox Academy.

We treat your child like one of our own. Our VPK teachers are caring, trained, and patient. They don’t just follow a checklist. They connect with your child. They make learning feel like a part of everyday life.

We also make sure our classrooms are safe, clean, and full of things that spark curiosity. Your child’s day will be filled with stories, music, outdoor play, and fun learning games. No screens. No boredom.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Small class sizes

  • Personalized attention

  • Lots of movement and hands-on activities

  • Focus on kindness, teamwork, and emotional growth

  • Easy parent-teacher communication

At Baby Fox Academy, we work closely with the Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK program to meet all state guidelines while still keeping things fun and stress-free.

How to Enroll in the Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK Program

It’s easier than you think to get started.

Step 1: Apply for a VPK Certificate
Go to the Early Learning Coalition Sarasota website and apply for a certificate of eligibility. You’ll need:

  • Proof that you live in Florida (like a utility bill)

  • Proof of your child’s age (like a birth certificate)

Step 2: Choose Baby Fox Academy
Once you have the certificate, reach out to Baby Fox Academy. We’ll guide you through the rest. We’ll help you set a schedule that works for your family and answer any questions.

Step 3: Get Ready to Learn
We’ll prepare everything for your child’s first day. You’ll get a list of what to bring and what to expect. From there, we’ll take care of the rest.

It’s that simple.

How Baby Fox Academy Supports Parents

We’re not just here for your child. We’re here for you, too.

We know sending your child to school for the first time can be hard. You might worry about separation. You might wonder if your child is ready. We get it.

That’s why we keep communication open. You’ll get updates on how your child is doing. You can ask questions anytime. And you’ll always know what’s going on in the classroom.

We also offer flexible drop-off and pick-up times. We know every family has a different routine, and we work with you to make sure school fits into your day—not the other way around.

Why Sarasota Families Trust Baby Fox Academy

Baby Fox Academy has earned the trust of many local families. We’ve done it by putting children first, every time.

Parents love our warm staff, clean facilities, and fun learning approach. But most of all, they love seeing their child happy, learning, and growing.

We believe every child deserves a great start. And thanks to the Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK program, that start doesn’t have to cost a dime.

Your Child’s Future Starts Now

The early years go fast. Before you know it, your child will be starting kindergarten. The time to build their foundation is now.

The Early Learning Coalition Sarasota VPK program gives you the tools to do that. And Baby Fox Academy gives your child a place where learning feels natural and exciting.

If you’re ready to enroll or just want to learn more, reach out to us today. Let’s work together to give your child the best start possible.

Our Gallery

Your Little Ones are in Great Hands!

Take it from Our Parents