Voluntary Prekindergarten or VPK gives children a jump start by preparing them for school and enhancing their pre-reading, pre-math, language and social skills. By developing the skills children need to become strong readers and students at an early age, children are more likely to be successful in school. VPK classrooms offer high-quality programs that include high literacy standards, developmentally appropriate curricula, manageable class sizes, and qualified teachers.
Benefits of early education and the VPK program
The most important growth and development in the brain happens by the age of five.
The early years are the learning years. A child’s ability to be attentive and to follow directions emerges in the early years. Structured early learning fosters these abilities for later success in school and in life.
Pre-K prepares children to be ready for school. Children who participate in high-quality early childhood education programs develop better language skills, score higher in school-readiness tests and have better social skills and fewer behavioral problems once they enter school. They are also better prepared for Kindergarten, especially in the areas of pre-reading, pre-math and social skills.
Pre-K promotes a love of learning in children. Pre-K enhances what a child learns at home and instills a love of life-long learning.
Children need to be four years old before September 1st to attend VPK.
They must also apply for an eligibilty certificate at :
The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Inc.
3526 9th Street West, Suite 200
Bradenton, Florida34205
(941) 757-2900
VPK is offered from 8:30am-11:30am with aftercare offered until 3pm and extended care until 6 pm.
Please contact our Registrar for an application andd more information 941-981-5345.
