Help! Confused with All the Preschool Programs in Lakeland

My son is in VPK. It is simply for four year olds to get them ready for kindergarten. It is FREE and not based on income at all. Preschools only have so many teachers, so each preschool can only accept a certain number of students, but other than that, I don't think it will be hard for you to find one. Just go check each one out and find one you are comfortable with. They have mandated standards to be able to even provide VPK, so your son will learn no matter where he goes.
I am already amazed at how much they are teaching my son! It is awesome that they offer this for free. You will still have to purchase supplies for your little student, so be ready for that, but it is minimal..like $40.
Good luck!

I went through this last year...VPK is not income based, it is just a state program that allows for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, of preschool education (the part of the day where they teach writing letters, matching shapes, cutting with scissors, etc..). The VPK schools have to reapply every year and the children get tested once they go to kindergarten, then the schools get rated for how they did (helps you pick a school). Search online for your county and VPK and it should take you to the department of education's website. You have to go there with the child's birth certificate and get a VPK voucher to bring with you once you've chosen a school. At the office, they'll give you a list of schools to choose from too, but the test scores are online. I'm in Hillsborough County, so I can't help with school choice. Good luck!

J.,

Go to www.polk-fl.net and that explains all the programs offered by the publc school system for preschoolers.

Hi J.,

I work at College Heights Co-op Preschool on South Blvd in Lakeland. I think that is the one you were asking about. My name is R., Ms. Roz for the kids:-) The VPK program is free regardless of income. The only catch is the age of the child must be 4 based on the requirements for the public school system. So, if your child will be 4 before September 1, 2009, then you are eligable. We are doing our open enrollment in February or March, I'm not sure which yet. All you do is get on the waiting list and then when the vouchers are issued, you will get one from the Early Learning Coollition and bring it to the school.
We have some wonderful teachers and our program fills up quite quickly. I know I am a little biased, but we all don't just work together, we are all really good friends. They all care so much about the kids and they learn a lot. My twins went there, they are now in 1st grade at South McKeel and passed their Dibels test with flying colors. This is a quality program and I highly recommend it.
If you would like to tour the school, give us a call at ###-###-#### X203. Debbie Glisson is the director and I am the office assistant/ substitute teacher. We would love to meet you.

Thanks!
Roz