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Stop, Look And Listen To Find A Quality Pre-K Program

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By MARILYN BROWN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

Here are some commonly asked questions about Florida's voluntary pre-kindergarten program:

Who qualifies for the program?

Any Florida family with a child who will be 4 on or before Sept. 1.

Where are classes provided and when do they begin?

They are provided by approved private, faith-based and home caregivers with varied opening dates for the 2008-09 school year. Many begin on the same first day as the district — Aug. 18. Families also may sign up during the school year or opt for the summer program in public schools.

How many hours are in the program?

The state pays for 540 hours during the school year or 300 hours during the summer. The hours may be divided up in any number of ways, depending on the provider.

May my child attend voluntary pre-k at a public school?

Not during the school year. In the summer there is a voluntary pre-k program in public schools. Beginning in 2008-09, some children in the separate federal Head Start program are being allowed to combine that with the state pre-k program in some public schools and at some county sites. See your Head Start provider.

What are the qualifications for voluntary pre-k providers?

They must be accredited with a recognized agency, hold a Gold Seal Quality Care designation or be licensed by the state Department of Children & Families.

They must have between four and 18 students in each class. One teacher is required for every 10 students. A lead teacher in each class must complete a five-hour emerging literacy training course in addition to a minimum of holding a Child Development Associate credential or equivalent or an associate's degree.

Who screens and monitors the providers?

The Hillsborough Early Learning Coalition. It has two monitors who check each site at least twice a year to ensure teacher qualifications, number of students in a class, retention of records and whether a curriculum is in place. Call (813) 204-1727 for their reports.

Some schools voluntarily submit to the coalition's rigorous five-star scale that ranges from resources to teacher qualifications and interaction with students. The reports are available at www.elchc.org or by calling Child Care Resource and Referral at (813) 744-8941, Ext. 229.

The county's child care licensing office visits to evaluate health and safety issues.

Where do I apply?

It is a two-step process. First you must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Hillsborough Early Learning Coalition. Registration sites are listed at www.elchc.org or by calling (813) 740-4713. Then, take that certificate to any private or faith-based provider that offers the state voluntary pre-k program.

May I switch schools under the program?

Yes, if your child has not completed a substantial portion of the program.

If my child attends pre-k during the school year, may I also sign up for the summer program?

Only if you have not already used your voluntary pre-k state voucher. If you have paid for a private preschool or your child attended preschool in a school readiness or most Head Start programs, you may still receive a pre-k voucher.

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