Because
of a constitutional amendment passed in 2002, all Florida parents of
four-year-olds are eligible for a “VPK voucher” with a value of
approximately $2500. Families or others may add to that amount for
programs that cost more.
Almost all teaching of Florida four-year-olds (85%) is done by private
providers. Thus the law empowers families to choose from among
participating private, faith-based or public childcare centers, homes
or preschools. Parents also choose whether to use the vouchers for 540
instructional hours spread over the school year or for 300 hours in an
intensive summer program.
The voucher is for instructional time only. The state is funding
education, not daycare. For a 180 day program of 6 hours per day, the
voucher would cover 3 hours of teaching each day. The families would
pay for any additional hours. Low-income families may be eligible for
other funds or services for those hours. The program is voluntary
for both the parents and the providers.
To get to to FloridaChild's special website devoted to VPK, click here.
To go to the State's VPK website, click on the "Learn More" button.
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