Skip to main content

Popular Links

Early Childhood Home

Early Childhood Education

Welcome to the Early Childhood Program website. Our team is dedicated and committed to providing support, resources and advocacy for the protection and continuance of developmentally appropriate and child-centered practices in the early childhood classroom environment.

Give your child the strongest start. Discover the power of early learning with OCPS.

At Orange County Public Schools, we believe every child deserves a bright beginning. Our Early Childhood Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, nurturing, and engaging learning experiences that set the foundation for lifelong success.

Why Early Childhood Education Matters:

The first few years of a child's life are a period of incredible growth and development. High-quality early childhood education:

  • Builds Essential Skills: Fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, language, literacy, and mathematical understanding.
  • Nurtures Social-Emotional Growth: Helps children develop self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and positive relationships through programs like Conscious Discipline.
  • Prepares for Kindergarten: Equips children with the knowledge and readiness they need to thrive as they transition to elementary school.
  • Promotes Overall Well-being: Supports cognitive, physical, and emotional health, setting the stage for future academic and life achievements.

Contact Us:

Pamela Clark
Senior Administrator, Early Childhood
407-317-3200 Ext. 200-4611
Pamela.Clark@ocps.net

Kimberly Peña-Rodriguez
Program Coordinator
407-317-3200 Ext. 635-2263
Kimberly.Pena-Rodriguez@ocps.net

How to Apply for VPK

Here's a 3-step guide to help families apply for a VPK Eligibility Certificate and complete enrollment, including the additional documentation required by OCPS (Orange County Public Schools):

✅ Step 1: Apply Online for the VPK Certificate

Upload the following documents:

  • Proof of Florida residency (e.g., utility bill, lease, driver's license)
  • Proof of child's age (e.g. birth certificate, passport)

Once approved, you'll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via email or portal download.

✅ Step 2: Choose a VPK Provider

  • Select link to view a list of VPK providers within Orange County Public Schools.
  • You may also contact the Early Learning Coalition to find a participating VPK provider near you.

✅ Step 3: Enroll with Your VPK Provider

  • Bring your Certificate of Eligibility to your selected VPK provider to complete enrollment.
  • For OCPS, you'll also need to provide the following:
    • Your child's birth certificate
    • Two proofs of residency
    • Florida School Entry Health Exam (Form DH 3040)
    • Immunization Form (DH 680)
    • Select link to visit the OCPS required registration documents webpage

Please note the following important information regarding VPK registration:

  • All VPK registrations must be completed online using a computer or smartphone by visiting the Family Services website.
  • The VPK application is available in multiple languages to support families of diverse backgrounds.
  • For assistance with your online application, please contact the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County at (407) 841-6607.
  • Enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Standard VPK classes can accommodate up to 20 students. Once a class reaches full capacity, applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
    • Please note: The VPK inclusion class has a maximum enrollment of 18 students.

Below is a list of schools that have two or more spaces/seats available in their VPK program. 
An * denotes a half day program (AM only or AM/PM)

School Name School Zone
Azalea Park E
Baldwin Park * E
Brookshire * E
Camelot * E
Castle Creek E
Chickasaw E
Deerwood * E
Engelwood E
Forsyth Woods E
Union Park E
Lake Gem N
Lockhart N
Princeton * N
Ridgewood Park N
Rolling Hills N
Rosemont N
Hidden Oaks * SE
Shenandoah SE
Three Points SE
Andover * SE/IO
OCPS Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) SW
Palmetto SW
Waterbridge *** (PP/Plus) SW
Shingle Creek SW/IO
Atwater Bay * W
Dillard Street * W
Keene’s Crossing * W
Ocoee W
Orange Center W
Pine Hills W
Sunridge * W
Thornebrooke * W
Tildenville * W
Water Spring * W
Whispering Oak * W
Ivey Lane W/ST
Rock Lake W/ST
Washington Shores PLC W/ST

VPK Program Availability by School

Please Note: Enrollment data is highly fluid and updated frequently. The information provided on this website is for general reference only. For the most current and authoritative enrollment information, parents and guardians must reach out directly to the school office.

  •  

    School Name School Zone Zip Code
    Azalea Park East 32807
    Brookshire * East 32792
    Camelot * East 32828
    Castle Creek East 32828
    Chickasaw East 32822
    Deerwood * East 32825
    Engelwood East 32807
    Forsyth Woods East 32807
    Killarney North 32789
    Lake Gem North 32818
    Lake Silver North 32804
    Lakeville North 32703
    Lockhart North 32810
    Princeton * North 32804
    Ridgewood Park North 32808
    Rolling Hills North 32808
    Rosemont North 32808
    Andover * SouthEast/IO 32825
    Hidden Oaks * SouthEast 32829
    Shenandoah SouthEast 32812
    Three Points SouthEast 32822
    OCPS Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) SouthWest 32805
    Palmetto Southwest 32839
    Shingle Creek Southwest/IO 32839
    Water bridge *** (Plus) Southwest 32837
    Atwater Bay * West 34787
    Dillard Street * West 34787
    Ivey Lane West/ST 32811
    Keene’s Crossing * West 34783
    Orange Center West 32805
    Pine Hills West 32808
    Rock Lake West/ST 32805
    Sunridge * West 34787
    Thornebrooke * West 34761
    Tildenville * West 34787
    Washington Shores PLC West/ST 32805
    Water Spring * West 34787
    Whispering Oak * West 34787

Quick Links

Related Pages