Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Frequently Asked Questions for Parents Eligibility & Application Process 1. Who is eligible for the VPK program? • If your child was born between September 2, 2009 and September 1, 2010 and a Florida resident; they are eligible for the Summer 2015 program which will begin in June 2015. • If your child was born between September 2, 2010 and September 1, 2011 and a Florida resident; they are eligible for the 2015-16 School Year VPK program. This VPK program will begin in August 2015. 2. How can I enroll my child? • Parents or guardians can register online at https://vpkcp.floridaearlylearning.com Review “Parent Handbook” and “Parent Guide” then click “Continue” to register for a new account. Check your email to validate your account prior to logging in. You may not immediately receive the confirmed email and must wait for the email with the correct link before trying to log in or resetting your password. Click on “Create” a “New Application” and enter information about yourself and your child. Upload and submit the required documents (see question 3). Each document should be uploaded separately, do not group them together. Scanners, tablets, smart phones, etc. can be used to upload documentation. If you have a smart phone you can take a photo of the items and email them to yourself, save on your picture file and upload from there. Check your email for approval notification. If you have not received an email within the same day check your spam. When your VPK application is approved click the link to log in and print your VPK Child Eligibility and Enrollment Certificate. Submit the VPK Child Eligibility and Enrollment Certificate to the VPK provider of your choice during enrollment. Contact the Early Learning Coalition at 321-637-7272 if you continue experiencing difficulties. 3. What type of documentation do I need to prove my child’s age and Florida residency? • To establish your child’s age you can use the following: Original or certified copy of the child’s birth record Original or certified copy of the child’s baptism certificate Insurance policy on the child’s life that has been in force for at least two years Immunization record a public health officer or licensed practicing physician signed Florida SHOTS documentation Valid military dependent identification card Call the Early Learning Coalition at 321-637-7272 for additional documents that may be accepted as well • To establish Florida residency you can use the following: Utility bill Landline telephone bill Pay stub Residential rental agreement or receipt from rental payment Government-issued document (e.g., Florida driver’s license, Florida identification card, property tax assessment showing a homestead exemption) Military order showing that the child’s parent is a service member in the U.S. Armed Forces and is assigned to duty in Florida while the child attend the VPK program A proof of residency affidavit can be obtained from the coalition if the parent does not have any form of residency documentation Call the Early Learning Coalition at 321-637-7272 for additional documents that may be accepted as well 4. When trying to upload, I keep getting the file size is too big error, what can I do? • Try changing the resolution or file type of the image, which will condense the file size. If using a smart phone, this can be done under camera settings. • When downloading documents, save them on your “pictures file” not your “documents file.” The document will be downloaded at the actual size. 5. How do I upload documentation from my phone? • Click on the Browse button under Proof of Residence or Proof of Birth • Select Take Photo • Once the camera function is ready, take a picture of your document. The photo will show on the screen. To continue, click Use Photo on the bottom right of the screen. If you need to retake the photo for whatever reason, you can do so by clicking Retake at the bottom left of the screen. 6. Why did my application get rejected? • The information listed on the application has to match the documentation provided. For example: Are the names spelled correctly on the application? Is the child’s date of birth entered correctly? Does the address match (including city and zip code) and the street names spelled correctly? If uploading a lease as proof of residence both the front page and signature page must be provided. Both pages must be included in a single image or the second page can be uploaded to the IEP section of the application. • Copies of document must be legible, dark or blurry images will not be accepted. 7. Why was my Florida driver’s license rejected even though the address matches? • The FLDL is holographic. If the image was taken with a camera, please check the flash. This may cause the FLDL image to be un-readable or blurry. 8. Can I transfer my child to another school online? • Not at this time. Only new enrollments are allowed. You will need to visit one of the Early Learning Coalition locations to request a re-enrollment. 9. Can I print two certificates and register at two different schools? • No, a child may only attend one (1) session either; the school year or the summer session. Multi enrollments are not allowed. 10. If I lose my certificate how can I get a replacement? • Call the Early Learning Coalition at 321-637-7272. Finding a VPK Provider 1. How do I find a VPK provider? • Call the Early Learning Coalition’s Child Care Resource and Referral line at 321-637-7272 and ask for a list of approved VPK providers. • Visit the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard’s website and search the List of Approved Providers page. 2. Are faith based providers allowed to participate in VPK? • Yes, faith based providers may participate in offering VPK as long as they meet the basic requirements of staff, curriculum and other quality indicators.