Time To Register For Voluntary Pre-K

April 12, 2009

The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Escambia County has announced that registration for their Fall Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) is now open.

VPK is available at more than 90 child care facilities in the greater Pensacola area, including the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center.

VPK is free to all children in Escambia County who will be four years old as of September 1, 2009, particularly those who are not already enrolled in a School Readiness program.

“Fall VPK is a great way to introduce your child to the school environment without the day-long commitment,” said ELC director Diane Hutcherson. “VPK focuses on socialization through hands-on academic activities and has been shown to better prepare children for the rigors of the modern kindergarten classroom.”

VPK was created for the state of Florida in 2005 by then Governor Jeb Bush in order to ensure all children in the state are prepared to enter kindergarten. Where School Readiness programs have income restrictions, VPK does not and is designed to serve mid to upper level income families.

“Because I make more than the maximum allowable income, my daughter does not qualify for School Readiness,” said Pensacola mother, Shanna Bradford. “But I’m confident that she will be both socially and academically prepared for her first day of kindergarten because of VPK.”

VPK is currently offered at more than 90 child care facilities in the greater Pensacola area.

For more information or to enroll you child in VPK, contact Kitty McKenzie at 595-5439 or visit www.elcescambia.org.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News