What Parents Should Know About Free Preschools Near You This Fall

Let’s cut to the chase — childcare isn’t cheap. So when you hear “free preschool,” your first thought might be: What’s the catch? 

Here’s the truth: Florida offers free preschool through the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, and thousands of families use it every year. 

And if your child is turning 4 by September 1, 2025, they qualify for free preschool this fall. No income limits. No strings attached. 

Still skeptical? This blog breaks it all down — how it works, what’s included, and how to grab your spot before they fill up. 

What Is VPK, and What’s Included? 

Keywords: VPK Florida, free preschool, early learning, kindergarten readiness 

The Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program is funded by the state of Florida and designed to give 4-year-olds a strong start before kindergarten. 

Here’s what VPK includes: 

• Free tuition for 3 hours/day, 5 days a week (during the school year) 
• A focus on literacy, math, social-emotional skills, and early learning 
• Credentialed early childhood teachers 
• A structured daily schedule 
• Parent-teacher communication and assessments 

It’s not just playtime. VPK gives your child the tools to walk into kindergarten with confidence — and gives you a break from full tuition costs. 

Who Qualifies for Free Preschool in Florida? 

If your child meets the following criteria, you’re in: 

• Turns 4 on or before September 1, 2025 
• Is a Florida resident 

That’s it. There’s no income requirement or employment check. Whether you work full-time, stay at home, or fall somewhere in between — your child qualifies. 

Need help applying? We’ve helped dozens of families register for VPK with no stress. Just reach out here and we’ll walk you through the steps. 

How to Apply for VPK in 3 Simple Steps 

Keywords: VPK application, preschool registration, free programs 

The application process is quicker than you’d think. Here’s how it works: 

1. Step 1: Visit Florida’s Family Portal (familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com) to start your VPK application. 
2. Step 2: Upload Your Documents 
   

You’ll need: 

• Proof of Florida residency (driver’s license, utility bill, or lease) 
• Your child’s birth certificate 
• Step 3: Get Your Certificate of Eligibility 

Once approved, you’ll receive a VPK Certificate via email. Bring that to your preschool of choice (like us!) to lock in your free preschool spot. 

What About Extended Hours or Full-Day VPK? 

Here’s the part many parents don’t realize: 

The VPK program covers 3 free hours a day, but many schools (ours included) offer wrap-around care before and after those hours for a small additional fee. 

That means your child can stay for a full day of learning and care, while you get the schedule you need. 

At our center, wrap care includes: 

• Nutritious meals and snacks 
  
• Outdoor play 
  
• Enrichment activities 
  
• Nap time (for full-day children) 
• And yes, more hands-on learning and fun 

Check out our VPK + extended care options for Fall 2025 here. 

When Should You Apply? (Hint: ASAP) 

We’ll be honest — VPK spots fill up fast, especially at high-quality programs with wrap care included. 

Our advice? Apply for your Certificate as soon as your child turns 4, and schedule a tour before summer. You’ll have more flexibility and less stress that way. 

If you're reading this in spring or summer, now is the perfect time to take action. 

 

What to Ask on a VPK Tour 

Keywords: preschool tour, VPK enrollment, school readiness, parent questions 

Not all VPK programs are created equal. Make sure you ask: 

What curriculum is used for VPK? 

What’s the teacher’s experience with early learners? 

Is there a focus on kindergarten readiness? 

Are parents updated on progress or assessments? 

What’s the classroom routine like? 

We welcome all your questions and encourage you to schedule a VPK tour to see how we support both children and parents every step of the way. 

How Our VPK Program Stands Out 

Here’s what sets us apart: 

• Credentialed VPK instructors who specialize in early childhood education 
  
• Hands-on, play-based curriculum that keeps learning fun 
  
• Smaller class sizes for more personal attention 
  
• Meals and snacks included in extended care 
  
• Support services on-site like speech or OT if needed 
  
• Bilingual instruction and culturally inclusive classrooms 
  
• Family-style events to build community and connection 
  

If you want more than just the basics, we’ve got you covered. 

Final Thoughts: Free Preschool = Real Opportunity 

VPK is more than free preschool. It’s a chance to give your child a confident start, meet new friends, and learn skills that matter in the real world. Whether you’re nervous about starting school or just trying to make things work on a budget — this program was built for you. And we’re here to make it easy. 

 

Apply now for Fall 2025 before seats fill up — we’ll help walk you through eligibility and paperwork. Schedule your VPK tour today !