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Category: VPK Preschool Programs

VPK Near You

VPK Programs in Lakeland + Polk County

Voluntary Prekindergarten, also known as Florida VPK Florida, is a free statewide preschool program for all 4-year- old children regardless of income. VPK prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Below you’ll find a directory of VPK Programs near you. Note that not all PreK-4 programs accept VPK certificates. To learn more about VPK eligibility and how to apply for a VPK program in Polk County, check out our full article on Florida VPK.

Helpful Articles: 

Daycares, Preschools, and VPK – Making sense of childcare options in Florida (plus daycare assistance info)
For more information on Child Care Options including VPK, holiday camps, and articles explaining the different types of child care providers, visit our main Childcare Guide.

Useful Links:

DCF Childcare Search – Childcare facilities in Florida are licensed by the Department of Children & Families. Visit the link to research local providers.
Polk Early Learning Coalition Website – The ELC has a wealth of information on their website including How to Select a Child Care Provider, Applications for VPK Certificates, Eligibility for School Readiness Funds, and much more.

We recognize that finding a daycare with available space can be a daunting task. If after contacting the daycares on your list you are still having trouble finding an opening, visit the Lakeland Moms Group on Facebook to ask your fellow moms if they know of a preschool or daycare with availability.

Our Preschool & Daycare Guide contains both sponsored and free listings. This is by no means a comprehensive list, there are almost 400 registered child care providers in Polk County. Visit myflfamilies.com for a full list.

HELPFUL TIP: Use the filter button (3 horizontal lines) to narrow down the list by city and/or category. All city filters are a general geographic area, check each listing address for a specific location. Use the map at the bottom to find VPK Preschool Programs Near You.

Don’t see your business listed here? Use the button below to add a Featured or Basic listing.

Northside Christian Preschool
Northside Christian Preschool Playground
Northside Christian Preschool Building
Featured
Northside Christian Preschool
Northside Christian Preschool provides a quality Christian learning and development opportunity for preschool children, ages 3-5 (non-kindergarten). We are located in north Lakeland and will be opening this August 2024! We offer half-day or full-day classes, August through May. Our mission at Northside Christian Preschool is to provide a Christ-centered learning environment for preschool-aged children to grow through play, learning experiences, and academic excellence.

Northside Christian Preschool is a certified provider of the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program through the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Polk County! Northside is excited to be able to offer all 4-year-olds FREE faith-based education!

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
411 West Robson Street, Lakeland, Florida 33805
Bright Imaginations Learning Center

Bright Imaginations Learning Centers offers 2 convenient locations in South Lakeland, secure locations, background screened employees, highly credentialed staff, 4.5 Star Rated Preschool as defined by Polk County’s Early Learning Coalition, Performing Arts safe, stimulating environments.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs
3915 Old Road 37, Lakeland, Florida 33813
6075 Florida Avenue South, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Brilliant Minds Early Learning Academy

At Brilliant Minds Early Learning Academy, LLC, our philosophy of Early Childhood Education is to provide children with an environment that will promote their optimum development, at a time when they are in a critical period of their development, socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. After school care, and a full day elementary school also available.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools
5900 Sundance Boulevard East, Mulberry, Florida 33860
Covenant Child Development Center

The Child Development Center (CDC) is a community service and outreach of Covenant Presbyterian Church. It is a nurturing pre-school with a purposed Christian worldview. Offering classes for ages 2 & 3 as well as half-day and full-day VPK. Children must be potty trained before attending the school.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
210 Poppell Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Cypress Junction Montessori Preschool & K-8 Charter School

Cypress Junction Montessori is a quality preschool and K-8 charter school in Winter Haven. Cypress Junction serves students in K-8th grade under the charter as a free public charter school that offers an authentic Montessori education. Preschool offers full & half day options, and accepts VPK vouchers, the ELC’s School Readiness Funding, & offers scholarships through our Early Learning Scholarship Fund.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools | VPK Preschool Programs | Charter Schools | Montessori Schools | Part Time Daycares + Preschools
201 Avenue B Southwest, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
First Methodist School in Bartow (Age 2 - 8th grade)

At First Methodist School we feel that an essential key to higher learning is school enjoyment and that a child’s school years should be a positive experience. Children are learning about their world and developing socially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our program offers activities and experiences to foster growth in each area. Serving age 2 through 8th grade.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Christian Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools
455 South Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830
First Steps Preschool (First United Methodist Church)

The First Steps Preschool at First United Methodist Church offers a loving, caring environment for children age six weeks though pre-kindergarten. Also a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) provider, First Steps provides lower child-teacher ratios and room capacities than required by Florida Statutes. Recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care Center by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801
Hands & Hearts In Motion at Oasis Community Church

We are a 5 STAR, nationally accredited, faith based center in Lakeland, Florida. We accept children ages 6 weeks through 5 years, and are open year round. We are conveniently located close to the Polk Parkway, Bartow Highway, and Winter Lake Road. Our staff are credentialed and continuously trained in the Early Childcare field to bring the best educational experience possible for your child.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
3330 County Road 540A, Lakeland, Florida 33803
Head of the Class Childcare Center

Welcome to Head of the Class Learning Center! We have served families in Lakeland for over 15 years and go above and beyond other preschools to ensure every child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged. Our private school (K-5) offers differentiated learning to effectively challenge each student, ensures a close relationship with students and families and prepares students for their future.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Private Elementary Schools | Non-Religious Private Schools | Private Schools in Lakeland
1836 Kathleen Road, Lakeland, Florida 33805
Here We Grow Early Learning Academy

Here We Grow is your child’s First Step to Success! Our responsibility is to provide childcare by updating and complying with the state requirements. ​Setting these high standards of excellence ensures that your child receives the best quality care possible by creating an environment that is sensitive to each child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools
304 6th Street Southeast, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Little Einstein Preschool

Little Einstein Preschool has campuses in Lakeland & Winter Haven. We have served Central Polk County for more than 5 years, and the supportive & caring staff and our focus on learning has only gotten better! We understand the faith that parents place in their caregivers while they are at work, and we want to exceed your expectations.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs
3034 Atlantic Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33803
1129 1st Street South, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Montessori Preschool of Lakeland

The basic premise of the Montessori philosophy of education is that all children carry within them the adults they will become. In order to develop their physical, intellectual and spiritual powers to the fullest, they must have freedom – a freedom achieved through order and self-discipline.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools | VPK Preschool Programs
334 Doris Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Oasis Christian Academy (PreK3-12th grade)

Oasis is a covenant, Christ-centered, college preparatory, private Christian school.  We strive to educate our students in an atmosphere of strong academics, quality sports, growing fine arts, and spiritual accountability in a traditional school setting. PreK3, VPK and grades K-12.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Private Christian Schools | Private High Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools | Private Schools in Winter Haven
151 King Road Southwest, Winter Haven, Florida 33880
Parkway Christian Academy (VPK-12)

Parkway Christian Academy is a college preparatory K4-12 school that offers a distinctly Christian education with a biblical worldview. Our mission is to glorify God, disciple students, and pursue excellence in education, with the Bible as our foundation and Jesus Christ as our focus.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Christian Schools | Private High Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools | Private Schools in Lakeland
4210 Polk 37B, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Precious Children in the Highlands Preschool at Presbyterian Church in the Highlands

Our purpose is to provide quality childcare to the surrounding community, meeting the needs of families and children from varying backgrounds and abilities. Our faith-based curriculum provides spiritual, physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth opportunities for young children. We serve children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, offer VPK, as well as a school-age program during the summer.

After School Programs | Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
1010 Lake Miriam Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Resurrection Catholic School (PreK3 - grade 8)

Resurrection Catholic School is a Catholic private school for grades PreK3, VPK, and K-8 located in Lakeland, Florida. With a strong focus on academic excellence, spiritual development and service to others, RCS strives to nurture and develop students to their fullest potential. We are a parish ministry of Resurrection Catholic Church, but we welcome students and families of all faiths.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Part Time Daycares + Preschools | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools | Private Catholic Schools | Private Schools in Lakeland
3720 Old Road 37, Lakeland, Florida 33813
Revive Academy Preschool

Revive Academy Preschool has been serving Highland City as First Baptist Church of Highland City Preschool since 1999. It is our goal and mission to serve families in our community with a nurturing, loving, and Jesus filled preschool. Offering full-time services to children from infants to school-age.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
5410 Yarborough Lane, Lakeland, Florida 33812
Ridge Christian Academy (VPK - grade 12)

Ridge Christian Academy is a Christian Preschool through High School operated as a ministry of Ridge Assembly of God. Our programs offer a Christian philosophy of education and a Christian environment for your children’s growth. Accepts Step up for Students and McKay Scholarships. Offering VPK and grades K-12.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Christian Schools | Private High Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools | Private Schools in NE Polk County
41219 U.S. 27, Davenport, Florida 33837
Saint Anthony Catholic School (VPK - grade 8)

St. Anthony Catholic School is a private Catholic school and is a ministry of St. Anthony Catholic Church in North Lakeland, Florida. We accept children from Pre-K through 8th Grade, regardless of denomination. We are also a free VPK provider.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools | Private Catholic Schools | Private Schools in Lakeland
930 Marcum Road, Lakeland, Florida 33809
St. John's Preschool Winter Haven

St. John’s Preschool provides part time and full time child care services for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old including VPK. VPK is a free three-hour per day educational program that helps your child get ready for Kindergarten.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools
1800 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, Florida 33884
St. Joseph Catholic School (PreK3 - grade 8)

St. Joseph Catholic School, founded in 1957 in the Diocese of Orlando, is a faith community dedicated to the education of children as together we grow in the love of God, of others and of learning. For over 50 years, St. Joseph Catholic School has offered Catholic education with strong academics. PreK3 – 8th grade. VPK Program available.

Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | VPK Preschool Programs | Church Affiliated Daycares / Preschools | Private Elementary Schools | Private Middle Schools | Private Catholic Schools | Private Schools in Winter Haven
532 Avenue M Northwest, Winter Haven, Florida 33881
Winter Haven Montessori

Winter Haven Montessori serves students ages infants to 3rd grade and offers VPK classes both morning and afternoon. Dedicated to providing a challenging educational environment in which each child is empowered to grow to his/her fullest potential academically, emotionally, physically and socially at each stage of development.

Daycare - Infants + Toddlers | Preschool / Daycare for Ages 2 & Up | Montessori Preschools | VPK Preschool Programs | Montessori Schools | Private Elementary Schools | Non-Religious Private Schools
305 Avenue East Southwest, Winter Haven, Florida 33880

Childcare Guide

Check out our Childcare Guide for Lakeland + Polk County for other childcare topics including preschools, daycare, VPK, after school care, school holiday camps, and more.