5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a VPK Program for Your Child

Introduction: Why VPK Matters in Early Childhood Education

Children engaged in a hands-on learning activity in a VPK classroom. Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is Florida’s free educational program for four-year-olds, designed to give every child a head start on kindergarten. In fact, VPK stands for Voluntary PreKindergarten. The state funds VPK so it is free to Florida families, with no income restrictions. In Broward County alone (which includes Pembroke Pines and Miramar), over 13,000 children were enrolled in VPK in the last school year. By focusing on early literacy, math, and social skills, VPK programs build the foundation for school readiness. For local parents, the key is finding a quality VPK provider. The right program in Pembroke Pines or Miramar can mean a smoother transition to kindergarten. As you visit centers, use these five questions to evaluate each VPK classroom. (For more, see our Preschool Programs guide, Toddler Readiness tips, and Daycare Comparison Guide for related early-learning resources. 

VPK Quick Facts: 

• Free for all 4-year-olds in Florida (no income limits) 

• Minimum teacher credentials: Florida Child Care Professional Credential + early literacy training 

• Max class size: 20 students (school year), 12 (summer) 

• Typical hours: 3–5 hours/day; extended care may cost extra 

• Licensed by Florida DCF; check for additional accreditations 

Table of Contents 

1. Introduction: Why VPK Matters in Early Childhood Education 

2. 1. Are the teachers qualified and class sizes appropriate?

3. 2. What curriculum and learning activities will prepare my child for kindergarten?

4. 3. How much does the program cost, and what are the hours and schedule?

5. 4. How safe and nurturing is the environment? 

6. 5. Is the program licensed, accredited, and well-reviewed? 

7. Comparison: Florida VPK Program vs. Private Preschool Alternatives

8. Spotlight: Nowtech Academy’s Approach to VPK in Pembroke Pines 

9. Key Takeaways 

10. Conclusion 

11. Schedule a VPK Tour at Nowtech Academy

12. Some Key Questions Parents Ask Related to VPK

1. Are the teachers qualified and class sizes appropriate? 

Check that the VPK program employs well-trained teachers and keeps classes small. Florida’s VPK rules require instructors to meet specific credentials and training standards. For example, a full school-year VPK class is limited to 20 students or fewer, and teachers must hold at least a Florida Child Care Professional Credential with specialized early-literacy training. When touring a Pembroke Pines/Miramar center, ask about staff credentials, turnover, and experience. Many high-quality providers highlight their team’s expertise – for instance, Nowtech Academy in Pembroke Pines notes that its directors and teachers have “over 20+ years of experience in Early Childhood Development”. Small class sizes and experienced teachers mean more individual attention for your child. 

2. What curriculum and learning activities will prepare my child for kindergarten? 

Hands-on learning and creative play are the heart of a quality VPK curriculum. Look for programs that use research-based, active learning approaches rather than just worksheets. Ask whether children will engage in activities like storytelling, interactive games, or basic science explorations. Local centers emphasize these methods: Learning Village in Pembroke Pines describes its VPK curriculum as “research-based” and focused on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and child-led exploration. Likewise, Nowtech Academy highlights a STEM-rich approach: “our curriculum goes beyond traditional education, introducing STEM concepts through hands-on activities and creative play”. This aligns with Florida’s goals: VPK programs aim to help four-year-olds become strong readers and students by building early literacy, math, and motor skills. In short, ensure the curriculum is developmentally appropriate and engaging – a good program will make learning fun and build confidence before kindergarten. 

3. How much does the program cost, and what are the hours and schedule? 

Florida’s VPK is free, but the schedule can vary by provider. The standard school-year VPK runs 540 instructional hours (about 3 hours per day) at no charge. For example, Miramar’s city VPK program offers classes from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at no cost. (Miramar’s site also notes a modest fee if you need extended care until 6 p.m) Many schools also offer a shorter summer VPK (300 hours) for children with summer birthdays. When comparing providers, clarify what “free” covers: ask if meals, snacks, or field trips cost extra. Some Pembroke Pines programs even extend the day. Lil’ Rascals Academy, for instance, advertises a five-hour free VPK day by adding two extra state-funded hours. In short, make sure the VPK hours fit your needs – is it a half-day or full-day program? And know that while the basic VPK class is free, extended hours or enrichment may incur small fees.

4. How safe and nurturing is the environment? 

The VPK classroom should feel secure, clean, and welcoming. Inquire about facility safety measures and supervision. Good centers will be fully licensed by the state (for example, Nowtech Academy posts its license #C17BO0824 on site). Ask if the outdoor play areas are fenced and age-appropriate. Many providers invest in safety: Nowtech notes that “our state-of-the-art surveillance system, [means] your child’s safety is our top concern”. Also consider health and nutrition. Does the program serve meals or snacks? (The Miramar VPK program, for example, includes free hot breakfast and lunch daily for students.) Observe whether the rooms are cheerful and stocked with age-appropriate books and toys. Finally, look for parent engagement. Safe programs keep parents informed — Nowtech, for instance, uses a parent app to send daily photos and updates so families can “witness the joy of learning firsthand”. 

Case Example: When the Smith family toured local VPK programs, they chose a center with a low student-teacher ratio and daily parent updates. Their son thrived in the hands-on learning environment and was ready for kindergarten both academically and socially. 

5. Is the program licensed, accredited, and well-reviewed? 

All Florida VPK providers must meet Department of Children and Families standards, but some exceed minimums with accreditations. When choosing a center, ask about its credentials. For example, apple accreditations or national preschool accreditations are a plus. You can also verify compliance by searching the Florida DCF provider database; Broward’s Early Learning Coalition suggests parents use the DCF search tool to see inspection reports and class ratings. Read parent reviews for real-world feedback. Many local schools proudly share their ratings — Nowtech Academy, for example, cites a 4.5-star Google rating and 5-star reviews on platforms like Yelp. In short, a reputable VPK program will be fully licensed, transparent about quality, and have positive parent testimonials. Hearing from other Miramar/Pembroke Pines families can tip you toward a trusted choice. 

Comparison: Florida VPK Program vs. Private Preschool Alternatives 

Feature	VPK Program (State-Funded)	Private Preschool
Tuition	Free for 4-year-olds	Varies, often paid
Curriculum	State-approved, literacy	Varies by provider
Teacher Credentials	Required by state	Varies
Class Size Limits	Yes (20 max)	Varies
Hours	3–5 hours (typical)	Half/full day
Licensing/Accreditation	Required	Varies

Spotlight: Nowtech Academy’s Approach to VPK in Pembroke Pines 

Nowtech Academy brings a modern, parent-focused approach to Florida’s VPK program in Pembroke Pines. Here’s what makes them stand out: 

• Tech-Integrated Learning: Children explore literacy, STEM, and social-emotional skills using age-appropriate digital tools. 

• Certified Educators: Led by seasoned early learning professionals with 20+ years of experience. 

• Low Student-Teacher Ratio: Ensures personalized attention and better preparedness for kindergarten. 

• Safety-First Facility: Advanced security, real-time parent communication apps, and sanitized environments. 

• Flexible Scheduling: Extended care options available beyond VPK hours for working families. 

Parents consistently praise Nowtech for its nurturing environment, responsive staff, and commitment to both early education and innovation. As a licensed VPK provider, they meet and exceed state standards, making them a top-tier choice for families seeking structure, creativity, and care. 

What Parents Say: " My son has been going to Nowtech for almost a year and I am loving the growth I have seen in him. He was socially awkward and now he is a social butterfly. I love the different list of activities and the personally touch. I made a great decision sending him here. Thanks to Ms Carol, Ms Shelby, Ms Kathy, Ms Brittany and the host of teachers that have graced my son’s classroom, he is progressing very well academically and otherwise!!! " — WENDY ANN GRAHAM on Google Reviews 

Key Takeaways  

VPK (Voluntary PreKindergarten) is a free Florida program for 4-year-olds that boosts kindergarten readiness as per Miramar Gov. When evaluating VPK programs in Pembroke Pines and Miramar, ask about teacher qualifications, curriculum quality, scheduling, and safety. Look for small classes with certified teachers, a hands-on learning curriculum, convenient hours (and any extra fees), and a secure environment. Verify that the school is licensed or accredited, and check reviews from local parents. By asking these 5 questions, you’ll find a VPK provider that gives your child a strong start. (For more on early education, see our preschool programs, toddler readiness, and daycare comparison guides.) 

Conclusion: Empower Your Child’s Start with the Right VPK Choice 

Choosing the right Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program isn’t just about meeting state requirements—it’s about laying a strong foundation for your child’s lifelong learning. Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking to transition your child from daycare to a pre-K program, asking the right questions around curriculum quality, teacher qualifications, program hours, and learning environment ensures your child gets the best start possible. 

For parents in Pembroke Pines and Miramar, the abundance of options can be overwhelming. But clarity comes with comparison. By evaluating both public

VPK providers and high-quality private schools like Nowtech Academy, you gain the insight to choose what aligns with your family’s values, needs, and your child’s personality. 

VPK Program Checklist for Parents: 

• Teachers have state-required credentials and experience 

• Hands-on, research-based curriculum 

• Class size and hours fit your needs 

• Facility is licensed, safe, and welcoming 

• Program is well-reviewed by local parents 

Ready to Enroll? Give Your Child the Best Start with Nowtech Academy 

Looking for a top-rated VPK program in Pembroke Pines that blends educational excellence with a supportive, tech-forward environment? 

Schedule a tour at Nowtech Academy today and discover how your child can thrive in a learning space built for exploration, growth, and success. 

Prefer to speak to someone? Call Nowtech directly to get answers to your VPK

questions or book a visit. 

Your child’s bright future starts with the right foundation. Let’s build it together—with Nowtech. 

 

Some Key Questions Parents Ask Related to VPK

1. What does VPK stand for?  

VPK stands for Voluntary PreKindergarten, Florida’s state-funded preschool program. 

2. Who is eligible for Florida’s VPK program?  

Any Florida child who turns 4 years old on or before September 1st of the school year is eligible for free VPK. 

3. Is the Florida VPK program really free?  

Yes. Florida VPK is fully funded by the state with no tuition or income requirements. 

4. How do I find VPK programs near me in Pembroke Pines or Miramar?  

The Broward County Early Learning Coalition provides searchable lists of VPK providers. You can use their website or Florida’s DCF Provider Search to look up local VPK programs by zip code. Also try searching online for “VPK programs near me” or asking other parents; many Pembroke Pines/Miramar daycares and preschools (like Nowtech Academy and Learning Village) offer VPK. 

5. What is the difference between VPK and other preschools?  

VPK is specifically a free state program for 4-year-olds with defined standards and hours. Regular private preschools may have different curricula and charge tuition. A VPK program (voluntary prekindergarten program) must meet Florida’s guidelines on curriculum and staffing, whereas an ordinary preschool might not. 

6. When and how do I enroll my child in VPK?  

You can enroll through the Florida Early Learning Coalition’s Family Portal. Enrollment usually opens in the spring before the school year. Since space can be limited, visit potential VPK centers early, ask about their enrollment deadlines, and use the online portal provided by the state to apply.