Get Your Child Started With Early Learning
In 2005 Florida legislatures passed a bill that was signed into law that created an early learning program for all of Florida’s children. This early learning program was tailored toward 4 year old children who were soon to be entering kindergarten. The purpose of the program was to start an early learning curriculum for these children that would prepare them to start kindergarten a year later. In addition to this program, parents can also take advantage of other traditional early learning programs that are geared towards preparing children for academic success when they begin school.
What Early Learning Programs are Available?
There are a few different programs parents can consider when choosing the best early learning curriculum for their children. As mentioned previously, a new program was designed and passed into law in 2005. This program is called the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten plan, or VPK. As of today, the program can vary from one institution to the next, as uniform VPK standards are still the topic of debate. The Florida Department of Education estimates that the uniform standards will be agreed upon and go into effect soon, creating a mandatory curriculum for all VPK early learning programs in the state.
In general, a VPK program will train your child in basic math and reading skills to help boost their success rate when they enter kindergarten. Studies have shown that children who enter an early learning program before they start kindergarten enjoy a greater overall success rate throughout their academic career due to the building of a fundamental learning foundation in their early childhood.
VPK programs are offered at public institutions and through private institutions. While not mandatory, Florida has set aside funds for this early learning program to guarantee all children have the opportunity to attend a VPK program if elected. The VPK program runs for about 180 days a year and for approximately 3 hours per day. Nearly $2,500 is spent by the state per student to provide this early learning service.
In addition to VPK, parents may also elect to send their children to a privately organized pre-K facility that runs through the entire year preceding kindergarten and hosts children for up to 8 hours a day. While similar to a day care facility, these programs may be specially tailored to the unique needs of your child. Early learning program specialties include:
- Music
- Art
- Math
- Science
- Reading
- Social Skills
If your child has trouble in some of the areas list above, or if they are gifted in those areas, a specialized program can help foster these skills in an environment that fits the needs of your child. These programs can be very expensive since very few are sponsored by the state.
How do I Pay for Early Learning?
The most common question generally associated with parents considering an early learning program is how much it will cost to provide this service for their children. VPK is a state funded service that parents from all economic backgrounds can take advantage of before their child enters kindergarten. Other programs, especially private programs offering specialization, can be incredibly costly, sometimes ranging from $15,000-$20,000 for 12 months.
Parents need not feel they have to waive their child’s early learning prospects because of finances. Many private institutions offer scholarships. There are also plenty of government run pre-kindergarten programs available throughout the state. Some of these programs are free. Others are deeply discounted for Florida residents who demonstrate financial need, allowing for parents to afford sending their children to a program that has been made to fit their budget. Parents should keep in mind that until a uniform curriculum has been agreed upon for early learning, that they should shop around for the program that best fits their child’s needs.
