Important Message from the
Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County
2020-2021 VPK
Flexible Innovative Options
Dear VPK Providers,

We are pleased to announce the Office of Early Learning of the Department of Education is going to allow flexible, innovative instructional options for delivering the 2020-2021 School Year VPK Program. We are excited that Florida’s families will have the choice to explore flexible, innovative options for their children to participate in the 2020-21 VPK School Year Program!

We appreciate your patience and commitment to offering families a VPK program while the Office of Early Learning continues to develop and release information on this great opportunity.

We expect families' interest in VPK will increase once the availability of these options is shared with the public. We anticipate guidance and application instructions will be released from the Office of Early Learning to private providers on August 26th.

One more important reminder:

In addition to online learning options, Providers may also delay the start of their VPK programs to meet the needs of their families.

Please continue to look out for important emails coming from the Early Learning Coalition. Kindly continue reading to learn more about VPK Flexible, Innovative Options.

Sincerely,

The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County
VPK FLEX | Here's What We Know Today
All flexible, innovative options must meet the existing statutory and regulatory requirements. 

Given that, here is what we know so far:
 
Provider Eligibility Requirements:

  • VPK Flexible, Innovative Option (VPK Flex) is an added feature to in-person instruction, but not a replacement.

  • The proposed flexible program must align with the School District's approved reopening plan and the options, if offered, for K-12 students. If the district's approved school reopening plan includes a flexible, innovative delivery option for K-12, VPK providers may offer a similar option for VPK.

  • Providers must be open, offering in-person VPK to leverage this innovative option for families who choose it.

  • Private providers must be in good standing with the Statewide VPK Provider Contract and have no Class 1 Violations within the last two years.

  • Submission, certification, and approval of required program assurances must be completed via the Provider Portal.

  • Providers must identify "VPK Flex" classes via the Provider Portal.
 
 
Submitted program assurances must address:

  • Equal access to learning and any required materials, including technology.

  • Delivery of the program by qualified staff, including daily contact with the enrolled student and their family.

  • VPK Flex program will not exceed a total of 270 hours before December 31. 

  • The provider must allow students to attend the flexible, innovative program in Fall 2020 to return to the face-to-face delivery model after December 31, 2020, for the remainder of the school year program.

  • Tracking of daily attendance of both students and staff and monitoring of student performance using the VPK Assessment.

  • Alignment of tools used to VPK Standards and developmentally appropriate practice.

  • A reminder to parents of the opportunity to withdraw and transfer to another VPK program if they choose.

  • Access to programs by ELC and OEL staff for monitoring purposes.

  • Providers will be required to complete an application form through the Provider Portal and be approved before offering a flex option. 
Want to Learn More?
Office of Early Learning is hosting a series of webinars to support private providers in the development and submission of a private provider’s plan for delivering the VPK School Year Program, if opting to use a flexible, innovative delivery option. 

WEBINARS
 
Tuesday, August 25 
3:00-4:00 pm EDT 



Wednesday, August 26 (Repeated) 
9:00-10:00 am EDT 


 
Thursday, August 27 (Repeated) 
5:00-6:00 pm EDT 

 

Friday, August 28 (Repeated) 
1:30 -2:30 pm EDT