Research in early child development has taught us that 90% of an individual’s core brain structure is formed during their first five years. Florida’s program for Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) was established to nurture children’s growing minds during this crucial time. VPK prepares children to be thriving students and lifelong learners by introducing them to language, literature and social skills in a play-based environment. Our state offers free prekindergarten for all 4-year olds, regardless of family income, so that every family can benefit from early learning programs.
Many families only consider prekindergarten programs when they need a childcare option but even children with a stay-at-home parent benefit from VPK. These are five of the most important benefits of prekindergarten programs.
1. Pre-Kindergarten improves children’s social and emotional skills.
Children benefit from forming friends and negotiating conflict with their peers in early childhood. It teaches them valuable social and emotional skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Prekindergarten programs create a safe and structured environment for children to learn these skills at a young age.
2. Pre-Kindergarten enhances children’s language skills and vocabulary development.
Literacy and language skills are at the center of most VPK programs. Prekindergarten teachers use interactive techniques to help children discover and explore new vocabulary and learn to read. Studies have shown that the exposure children receive to literature in VPK promotes a love of reading and higher reading levels throughout their education.
3. Pre-Kindergarten makes learning fun!
The play-based structure of VPK programs teaches children that learning is fun! Developing a positive attitude about learning at such a young age benefits a child throughout the rest of their school years. It introduces them to the value of achieving academic goals to enrich their mind. It helps to mold them into a lifelong learner before they encounter the pressure and stress of letter grades and standardized tests.
4. Prekindergarten teaches children essential classroom skills.
VPK programs teach children skills that help them thrive in a classroom environment such as how to listen to directions from a teacher and organize their belongings (bag, supplies, etc.). Children who participated in VPK programs also enter kindergarten with better social skills and fewer behavioral issues that benefit them in the classroom.
5. Pre-Kindergarten increases children’s school readiness for kindergarten.
Children leaving pre-K programs are better equipped for the social and academic challenges of entering kindergarten. They score higher on the School Readiness test and show greater improvements in reading, math and social skills throughout their education. According to the Florida Office of Early Learning, only 55% of children who did not participate in VPK were ready for kindergarten. In contrast, 79% of children who participated in VPK were kindergarten ready.
Enrolling your child in a high-quality pre-K program with personalized play-based lesson plans and a fun learning environment can have a lifelong impact on them. These early years are a crucial time for development. A good VPK program will set them up for future success in the classroom and in the world. If your child is approaching preschool age, you can setup an appointment to visit our Avalon Park campus! You can meet our dedicated staff and learn about the award-winning curriculum that we use to foster a fun and engaging learning environment.