Young children are often curious, confident, and capable of learning new skills. These little learners explore the world around them using all of their senses and–as you might have noticed–ask a lot of questions.
Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher, but young children also benefit from attending pre-kindergarten programs that provide structured learning, guidance, and opportunities for enrichment.
Children in pre-K classes learn letters, numbers, and many other things that create an ideal foundation for school success. But beyond providing an excellent educational foundation, pre-K programs also help children develop essential skills and tools that will help them throughout elementary school and beyond.
Families in Florida have the option of sending their 4-year-olds to high-quality voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) programs at no cost to them. This article will explore how voluntary prekindergarten in Port Richey can prepare children for school success and help you find a VPK for your child.
Reach out to the dedicated education providers at New Horizons Learning Center now to learn about our high-quality, nurturing VPK programs or to schedule a tour of our school.
What is Voluntary Prekindergarten?
Voluntary prekindergarten, or VPK, is a program offered to every 4-year-old living in Florida. The VPK program allows children to enroll in high-quality education the year before kindergarten at no cost to their families.
Voluntary prekindergarten programs are designed to fill the gap between play-based preschool or daycare and kindergarten. Children may attend VPK during the school year and throughout the summer.
How Does VPK Prepare Children For Kindergarten?
Florida leads the country in early education access by offering free voluntary prekindergarten programs to all 4-year-olds in the state. VPK programs in Florida help to prepare young learners for kindergarten by focusing on pre-literacy support and social skills.
Here is an overview of what children learn in a VPK program in Port Richey.
Literacy
Children who begin kindergarten with a good foundation of pre-literacy skills often have better outcomes in school. One of the most important goals of a VPK program is to help children explore reading and writing through developmentally appropriate educational activities. Children in a VPK program develop pre-reading and pre-writing skills that can make it easier to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
Social skills
Children need to function as part of a classroom community when they reach kindergarten. This means sharing with others, using good manners, respecting their teacher and classmates, and maintaining acceptable classroom behavior. Children who attend a VPK program learn and practice these and other social skills in a supportive, loving classroom environment. Having a solid foundation of social skills can help them transition into kindergarten smoothly and have better outcomes throughout elementary school.
While literacy and social skills are the primary focus of VPK programs, children also explore science, math, and art through engaging, hands-on learning experiences and play.
What are the Benefits of Sending a Child to VPK?
Plenty of research shows that the first five years of a child’s life is a time of explosive growth and development. Young children are capable and excited to learn, and a VPK program can provide essential education during this critical time of life.
There are many benefits of sending your child to VPK in Port Richey. Here are some of the most significant reasons to consider taking advantage of this incredible free program.
Better problem-solving
Children with good problem-solving skills often feel more confident when attempting something new and more opportunities throughout school–and life. A VPK program can provide educational activities that improve a child’s problem-solving abilities and nurture their creativity and resilience.
Improved communication
Children in a VPK program have many daily opportunities to learn and practice better communication skills. Children with good communication skills often have better experiences in school and more confidence in the classroom. Better communication skills can also mean kids can understand more complex directions and express their needs and ideas more clearly.
Better physical health
Voluntary prekindergarten programs use hands-on education and active play to keep kids focused and engaged on what they’re learning. These and other activities, including daily outdoor activities, can improve kids’ fine and large motor skills and help them gain strength, balance, and resilience.
Children in VPK programs also receive regular, nutritious meals as part of the program. Balanced, healthy meals can fuel children’s bodies and minds, helping them to reach their full potential in all areas of growth and development.
Improved self-esteem
Children who attend VPK in Port Richey develop confidence in their abilities and skills, which may translate to better self-esteem and less anxiety during the transition to kindergarten. A VPK gives children essential literacy, math, and social skills that can make them feel confident in their abilities as they begin school. This confidence can remain with them throughout elementary school and beyond.
A VPK program provides so much more than basic education about math and reading. It is a thoughtfully designed program that provides a valuable foundation of skills and awareness and supports the whole family.
Find Voluntary Prekindergarten in Port Richey
If you are the parent of a 4-year-old in Florida, reach out to the staff at New Horizons Learning Center to learn more about our incredible VPK programs. Contact us now with questions or to schedule a visit to our school.
