Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, or VPK, is a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond. children must live in Florida and be 4 on or before September 1 of the school year they enroll. Parents whose children are born between February 2 and September 1 of the calendar year may postpone enrolling their 4-year-old until the following year when their child is 5.
Registration opens January 1, 2024 for the 2024-25 school year. To register your child for VPK, simply visit the Family Portal at: https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/ where you will create an account and complete the application process.
Parents may also contact their local early learning coalition for additional information and assistance at http://www.floridaaearlylearning.com/family-resources/find-quality-child-care/locate-your-early-learning-coalition
Parents can also contact Mary Ellis (850) 973-1566 for assistance with registering for VPK on the Florida Early Learning Website.
Steps to the VPK Process:
1. Submit a VPK application to receive a VPK certificate through the Early Learning Coalition (ELC). You can do this online at: https://www.ELCbigbend.org/ You will usually receive a response withing 24 hours from ELC via email. When approved, you will need to print out the VPK certificate, sign line 18, and bring it to Mary Ellis at the Madison County School Board Annex along with the following documents:
a. Your child's birth certificate;
b. Your child's Social Security Card;
c. Proof of address;
d. Updated immunization record; (Wait until the 4-Year Old shots have been given. Children not receiving imunizations will require an exemption form from the health department.)
e. A physical for your child; and
f. Picture ID of Legal Guardian.
Documents can be emailed or dropped off to Mary Ellis at the Madison County School Board Annex.
2. Online Enrollment:
On the school board website (www.madison.k12.fl.us) you will find "RESOURCES" at the bottom of the homepage. Click on the "New Student Enrollment" link and begin the online enrollment process to enroll your child in the Madison County School District. Once your child's online application has been submitted, it will be reviewed and you will receive an email when it has been approved.
Please call (850) 973-1566 if you have any questions or need further assistance.
