Last verified: October 2026
Who is eligible for free VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) in Orlando?
A child who lives in Florida and turns 4 on or before September 1 may claim a free VPK year, the state's pre-kindergarten entitlement, at a public, private or church-run provider.
A parent requests a certificate of eligibility in Florida's Family Portal and hands it to the chosen provider. In Orange County, the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County is the local office overseeing providers.
Do Orlando private schools and church preschools offer VPK?
Many do. The Orange County listing includes 145 schools that serve pre-K, and each school page reminds parents to confirm VPK status with the school.
A private school's VPK class has one benefit: the child may move on to kindergarten at the same campus, using the Private School Scholarship.
VPK is and is not...
The table puts the two sides next to each other.
| It is | It is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free for the VPK hours | Free for wraparound care or full-day tuition |
| Age | For children who turn 4 by September 1 | Available at age 3 |
| Provider | A participating school, church preschool or center | Limited to public schools |
| Next step | A bridge into kindergarten and the K-12 scholarship | A substitute for School Readiness child-care help |