What Will My Child Learn in a New Port Richey VPK?

The first five years of life are very important to a child’s health and development. Florida was one of the first states in the country to provide free, high-quality early education programs for all four-year-olds. Florida’s voluntary pre-kindergarten program (VPK) provides education and enrichment that prepares young children for kindergarten.

But what do children learn in voluntary prekindergarten education programs? This article will explore Florida’s free voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program and how it can support school readiness. You will discover how New Port Richey’s early learning programs prepare children for school success and where to find a program for your child.

Get in touch with the Little Sunshine Preschool educators now to learn about our incredible early learning programs or to schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you and your child!

Table of Contents

• Voluntary Prekindergarten: An Overview

• What Do Children Learn in VPK?

  • Literacy

  • Social-emotional skills

  • STEM

• How to Find a New Port Richey VPK

  • 1. Research

  • 2. Tour

  • 3. Apply

• Get Started

Voluntary Prekindergarten: An Overview

Florida’s voluntary pre-kindergarten program supports school readiness for children across the state. Beginning at age four, children are eligible for enrollment in a VPK program. Public school systems and private child care centers offer VPK programs.

Voluntary prekindergarten education occurs in school year and summer sessions. During a school year program, children engage in 540 hours of instructional education. A summer program provides 300 instructional hours.

Experienced early childhood educators provide high-quality programs that include high literacy standards, social skills, and an introduction to STEM learning.

Parents and caregivers may enroll their child in VPK the year when their child will begin elementary school or wait until the following year.

Small class sizes and qualified educators mean children receive personalized education and care. Research shows that children who participate in high-quality prekindergarten education have fewer behavioral problems and more general success in school.

What Do Children Learn in VPK?

High-quality prekindergarten programs give children a solid foundation of skills and knowledge before starting kindergarten. Skilled educators provide lessons using an evidence-based curriculum. A VPK curriculum focuses on preparing young children for kindergarten.

Here are some of the things children learn in a Florida VPK.

Literacy

Literacy is one of the core aspects of a Florida voluntary prekindergarten program. The VPK curriculum emphasizes age-appropriate literacy skills, including:

• Letter recognition

• Knowing the alphabet

• Recognizing letter sounds

• Building vocabulary

• New communication skills

Research shows children learn and retain new information through play and hands-on learning. Early learning educators create lesson plans using play, music, and movement to keep children engaged while learning these essential skills.

Social-emotional skills

Children must learn to be good classroom community members to thrive in kindergarten. A VPK program focuses on preparing children socially and emotionally for kindergarten. This includes:

• Helping children learn to get along with peers

• Teaching children to listen to a teacher

• Building empathy

• Improving resilience and coping skills

Children learn to be more independent and confident while respecting others. Children who learn these valuable social skills may have easier transitions into kindergarten, fewer behavioral issues, and more success throughout elementary school.

STEM

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are fundamental aspects of a Florida VPK program. A high-quality VPK introduces these concepts by providing hands-on, play-based lessons.

In a Florida VPK, educators may engage children in age-appropriate STEM lessons, including:

• Building with blocks, LEGO, or other materials

• Observing weather and seasonal changes

• Using simple charts or graphs to record information

• Exploring the water cycle

• Growing plants in the classroom or outdoors

• Counting, number recognition, and simple math

Introducing STEM topics in pre-K can help children understand more complex concepts as they progress through elementary school.

Participating in a VPK can help your child learn the skills they’ll need to be successful in kindergarten and beyond.

Florida’s voluntary prekindergarten program is available for all four-year-olds in the state at no cost, regardless of family income. You may learn about enrolling in a VPK program by exploring the early learning coalition directory online.

How to Find a New Port Richey VPK

Parents and caregivers must choose a VPK program that meets their child’s needs. Here is a guide to help you find the best New Port Richey VPK for your family.

1. Research

You can search for local VPK programs online or ask for referrals from friends and family. You may also contact your local early learning coalition for assistance.

Once you have a list of options, find out which centers are convenient for your family and offer the care options that fit your schedule.

2. Tour

Schedule a tour of the early learning center. Meet the staff and spend time in the VPK classrooms. Learn about the program’s schedule, educational approach, licensure, and more.

3. Apply

You can start the application process when you find a VPK that meets your needs. You must provide specific eligibility information and other documentation to apply. Contact the team at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn more about the VPK application process.

Get Started

If you are looking for a high-quality New Port Richey VPK, reach out to the educators at Little Sunshine Preschool to schedule a tour or begin an application. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon!