Give your little learner a strong start with Putnam County School District’s Voluntary Prekindergarten program.

VPK is available at:

• Mellon Learning Center (Palatka)

• Browning-Pearce Elementary School (East Palatka)

• Middleton-Burney Elementary School (Crescent City)

• Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Elementary School (Interlachen)

• Ochwilla Elementary School (Hawthorne)

• Melrose Elementary School (Melrose)

Note: Your child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026.

Step 1: Apply for the VPK Certificate of Eligibility

Follow the directions to set up your Family Account and submit your application for the Florida VPK Certificate of Eligibility.

You will need:

• A valid email address

• A valid cell phone number

Step 2: Wait for Approval

Episcopal Children’s Services will verify your documents.
This process typically takes 3–6 days.

Once approved:

• You will receive an email notification

• Print your Certificate of Eligibility

If needed, you may email the certificate to: jstallings@my.putnamschools.org for printing assistance.

Step 3: Submit Your Enrollment Packet to the School

Bring the following documents to the school you are applying for:

• Student Pupil Information Packet

• Certificate of Eligibility

• PCSD VPK Application (Spanish)

• Signed VPK Policy Statement (Spanish)

• Proof of Residency

• Child’s Birth Certificate

• Immunization (Shot) Record

• Physical Examination Form

• VPK Financial Form (Spanish)

Once the complete packet is received:

• Your child will be placed on the school’s enrollment list

• If the school is full, your child will be placed on a waiting list

Welcome letters will be mailed in early June.

PCSD's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program prepares children for kindergarten by building:

• Early literacy skills

• Social and emotional development

• Basic math and problem-solving skills

• Classroom routines and independence

Attendance

• Children are expected to arrive at school on time each day and remain for the full time. If your child is arriving 30 minutes after the start time a written note or doctor's note is required upon arrival. 

• Repetitive tardiness and/or unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the program. 

• Absent notes must include: date of note, full name of child, dates absent, reason for absence, and signature of parent or guardian. Notes must be received within 3 days of return to school. 

Behavior

• VPK students will follow the behavior standards of the PCSD Code of Conduct. 

• Extreme and/or repeated behaviors, without improvement, may result in dismissal from the program. 

Cost

• ½ day VPK program is FREE and includes breakfast.

• Full-day VPK is

  $180 per month and includes breakfast and lunch, transportation may be provided.

  Financial assistance may be available

• Fees are due the first Friday of each month, with the exception of August (due on Friday, August 14th, 2026).

Early Learning Coalition of North Florida.

Episcopal Children's Services