LakeWalesNews.net - Hometown stories that count from people who care

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 feder...