All Day VPK

Parents in Pinellas!

Please read, call with questions, and apply immediately if interested in the all day VPK opportunity from the Early Learning Coalition. When I saw the VPK all day option a few days ago, I was so excited to see a real community need being addressed. The VPK voucher is for about three hours a day of instruction at public or private approved schools. I have read and got some of my questions answered about this program and think it’s an awesome opportunity for parents.

Questions:

How do I find an approved provider?

Visit the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) website and click find an All-Day VPK provider map. You will be able to zoom in and out to see an area or search by zip code. You will find private providers but lots of great high reputation facilities.

2. Is this separate from public VPK?

This is a separate option for parents. The VPK voucher is typically for 8:30 to 12:30 for free education. Then parents who need additional care and coverage have to pay for extended day. This full day VPK option allows for parents to use the voucher but apply for the free extended day option at one of the approved private facilities.

3. Does this cover wrap around care?

No, this is a separate all day option. If you are choosing to do public school VPK with your voucher then you would have to use the wrap around care provided at that location.

4. How do I know if I would qualify for the program with financial assistance?

The ELC website has the financial scale for qualification. If you believe you would qualify then proceed with filing out the application or call (727) 400-4411 to make an appointment.

5. Does this cover summer care?

YES! Do I need to say any more?! Incredible opportunity that is so needed in our community. So, many parents want to send their children to VPK at the public school but what do they do when summer comes? Finding a daycare of summer camp for 4 and 5 year-olds is touch and can be very expensive. Now, we have a community program designed to meet the needs of our families.

6. When do I need to apply?

NOW! When I called to ask my clarifying questions, the representative said its limited availability. So, if you are interested and think that you may qualify then you want to take the time to apply online or call to make that appointment.

Whether you choose to take the public school VPK program or the full day private care option financial assistance is available. I am so pleased to see early intervention for all children with various options that meet the needs of our community.

Have a great school year!