Last verified: October 2026
How does VPK work for Broward four-year-olds?
Any child who turns four by September 1 can attend a pre-K year that the state pays for. A parent obtains a Certificate of Eligibility in the Family Portal, then picks a provider.
What is School Readiness in Broward?
School Readiness helps working or studying parents with child care based on income. The Early Learning Coalition of Broward County runs it, and a waitlist exists.
Can a child stay for kindergarten after VPK?
If the school participates, a child who finishes VPK in its classroom can move up to kindergarten there using the $8,494 Broward award.
How do VPK and School Readiness compare for a Broward family?
VPK has no income test and costs nothing, while School Readiness has an income test and a family copay.
| VPK | School Readiness | |
|---|---|---|
| Income test | None | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Family copay |
What should a Broward family do next?
Complete the two-minute funding check, and a School Funding Advisor will line up every source your family qualifies for and the dates that go with them.