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. |
