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Polk County Public Schools began accepting applications for its Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) and Head Start programs March 4. Each of the programs is designed to address students’ developmental and educational needs. Eligibility requirements vary.

Available programs include:

• Voluntary Pre-kindergarten, or VPK, a free statewide program for all 4-year-old children. Children must be 4 on or before Sept. 1 of the 2019-2020 school year to participate. VPK is offered at 23 sites throughout the county. All 4-year-olds must submit a VPK Certificate of Eligibility.

• Title 1 PK, a federally funded program for 4-year-old children who live in select Title 1 school zones. Title 1 PK is offered at 21 sites throughout the county. All 4-year-olds must submit a VPK Certificate of Eligibility.

• Head Start, a federally funded program for children ages 3-4 who come from low-income families. Income guidelines apply. Head Start is offered at 23 sites throughout the county.

Applicants should visit https://polkschoolsfl.com/preschool to learn more about available programs and the application process.