VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) is Florida’s free, state-funded pre-K program for four-year-olds, and Lincoln-Martí offers it at campuses throughout Miami-Dade with bilingual English/Spanish instruction. Any child who turns 4 on or before September 1 and lives in Florida qualifies — regardless of family income — and there is no tuition for the VPK program itself. To enroll, families first get a VPK Certificate of Eligibility from the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade, then choose a Lincoln-Martí campus. Lincoln-Martí runs the 540-hour school-year VPK program, and many families pair it with full-day daycare (open until 7:00 PM) so working parents are covered before and after VPK hours.
Who qualifies for VPK in Miami?
Any child who turns 4 years old on or before September 1 of the enrollment year and is a Florida resident qualifies for free VPK. There is no income requirement — VPK is available to all Florida families. Children with an IEP or developmental needs may also qualify for extended VPK services through the School Readiness program.
How much does VPK cost?
| Program | Cost to Family |
|---|---|
| VPK program (3-hour school day) | Free — fully state-funded |
| Full-day wrap-around care (before/after VPK) | Parent rate or School Readiness voucher (income-eligible families may pay $0) |
How do I enroll in VPK at Lincoln-Martí?
- Get your VPK Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade at floridaearlylearning.com or by calling them directly.
- Choose a Lincoln-Martí campus near you. Most campuses offer VPK — see our locations.
- Register with: birth certificate, Florida residency proof, and your VPK Certificate of Eligibility.
- Select the school-year VPK program (540 hours). Pair with full-day care if needed for your schedule.
Ready to enroll? Start your registration or call (305) 642-1000.
Which campuses offer VPK?
Lincoln-Martí offers VPK at most of its Miami-Dade campuses, including locations in Little Havana, Hialeah, Westchester, Coral Gables, and Palmetto Bay. Find a campus near you to confirm VPK availability and hours at that specific location.
Frequently Asked Questions — VPK at Lincoln-Martí
Is VPK really free?
Yes. The Florida VPK program is 100% state-funded and costs nothing for the program hours. Families who need full-day care before and after VPK hours may pay for wrap-around care, but income-eligible families can apply for School Readiness childcare vouchers to cover that cost as well.
When does my child qualify for VPK?
Your child qualifies if they turn 4 years old on or before September 1 of the school year. Children who turn 4 after September 1 will be eligible for VPK the following school year.
What documents do I need to enroll?
You will need: (1) your child’s birth certificate, (2) proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or similar), and (3) your VPK Certificate of Eligibility obtained from the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade.
Does Lincoln-Martí offer bilingual VPK?
Yes. Lincoln-Martí’s VPK classrooms provide instruction in both English and Spanish, giving your child a strong bilingual foundation before kindergarten — an advantage that benefits academic and professional success throughout their life.
Why Families Choose Lincoln-Martí for Free VPK
- Bilingual VPK — English and Spanish instruction that gives your 4-year-old a head start before kindergarten.
- 100% free — the 540-hour school-year free VPK program is fully state-funded, with no tuition and no application fee.
- Full-day option — pair free VPK with wraparound daycare open until 7:00 PM for working parents.
- 26+ campuses across Miami-Dade, so a free VPK classroom is close to home or work.
- Any income qualifies — every Florida 4-year-old is eligible; income-eligible families can add School Readiness vouchers at no cost.
- Trusted since 1968 — caring staff, proven curriculum, and meals included.
Free VPK — Frequently Asked Questions
Is VPK really free at Lincoln-Martí?
Yes. The Florida free VPK program is 100% state-funded for the program hours. Families who need full-day care before and after VPK can pay for that care, or use School Readiness childcare vouchers if income-eligible.
Who qualifies for free VPK in Miami?
Any child who turns 4 on or before September 1 and is a Florida resident qualifies for free VPK, regardless of family income.
How do I enroll in free VPK?
First get a VPK Certificate of Eligibility from the Early Learning Coalition, then choose a Lincoln-Martí campus and bring a birth certificate and proof of Florida residence.
Find a Lincoln-Martí Campus Near You
With 26+ campuses across Miami-Dade, there is a Lincoln-Martí daycare, VPK, and K-12 school near you. See all campus locations or choose your neighborhood: