Department of Early Learning

VPK First is a free, part-day program for children who turn 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. If their fourth birthday falls February 2 through September 1, parents can postpone enrolling their child in VPK that year and wait until the following year when their child is 5. 

VPK First is available at all LCS elementary schools and the Department of Early Learning Early Childhood Centers. 

How to Register 

1. Get VPK Certificate. Visit the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend to obtain this certificate.

2. Gather Required Documents: 

• Two proofs of residency:
  • Homestead exemption, mortgage deed, current lease, current rental agreement, or property tax record 
    -AND-
  • Current electric bill, or activation notice is acceptable (dated within 30 days), vehicle registration, or government mail. (Note: drivers' licenses and voter registration cards are not accepted as proof of residency)
• Current physical, “Florida School Entry Health Form”
• Current immunizations, “Florida 680 Immunization Form”
• Birth Certificate
• Signed and dated VPK Certificate 
• Signed LCS VPK Attendance and Discipline Policy 
  • Download Attendance Policy Form 
  • Download Discipline Policy Form

3. Create a Focus Parent Portal Account. Click HERE to create a Focus Parent Portal account.  

Please remember that unlike the K-12 public school system, Pre-Kindergarten is voluntary. Applying for your child to participate in Leon County Schools Pre-Kindergarten does not guarantee a spot at your zoned school or another preferred school.

If you wish to include your zoned school as one of your lottery options, be sure to select it as one of your three school choices.

After the first lottery, any remaining seats will be filled through a second lottery using the waitlist.

4. Submit school choice application to indicate selected school during the window:

Click HERE to complete a school choice application.

Opens – January 7, 2026

Closes – March 2, 2026

Families must accept their school assignments in Focus by March 27, 2025

After You Apply 

- Lottery results will be posted in the Parent Portal on March 13th 

- Families will need to accept their seat by March 27th  

- Waitlisted students prioritized for second lottery 

Program Locations 

Available at all LCS elementary campuses and Department of Early Learning. 

What to Expect 

Play-based instruction, certified teachers, inclusive classrooms, push-in therapies, daily routines including centers, outdoor play, and shared reading.