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The early years of a child’s life are fundamentally important because they are the foundation that shapes the rest of his/her life. These years play a critical role during a vital developmental period. Research has shown that early childhood education is highly beneficial because the human brain is most receptive to learning at this young age.
There are many benefits of early childhood education, particularly for social-emotional development. The earlier that children are introduced to others their age, the quicker they can overcome shyness and gain self-confidence. Social skills allow children to develop relationships, learn about teamwork and how to respect others, which are all essential parts of personal growth.
Valuing difference and diversity are crucial to a child’’s early development and early childhood education serves as a guide to help him/her learn that everyone is unique and special in their his/her own way.
Preschool is so much more than playing. Learning is a social process, and in order for young children to be ready to learn, they must possess the social and emotional skills that will allow them to participate and learn from classroom activities. The advances children achieve socially, emotionally, and academically from high-quality early learning settings are truly invaluable.
Offered in more than 200 schools countywide, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) early childhood education and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs provide high-quality comprehensive services to prepare young children for life-long learning. M-DCPS’’ Department of Early Childhood Programs provides services to children from ages 2 months to 5 years. The curriculum, leadership, qualified staff and instructional support of these programs enables M-DCPS to provide a variety of offerings to meet the developmental needs of all students.
The Florida VPK Education Program is free and prepares 4-year-old children for the beginning of their school career. The program is in operation at more than 200 schools throughout the county. Children must be 4 years old on September Sept. 1st of the school year they enroll. A list of participating schools is available at earlychildhood.dadeschools.netearlychildhood.dadeschools.net.
M-DCPS’ VPK Program utilizes a lottery to select students. Families will need to submit proof of birth and address to their home/neighborhood school to be included in the lottery, which takes place the last Friday in February.
All VPK applications must be submitted prior to that date. Children whose names are drawn in the lottery will be selected to attend the program. Open seats will be available at select schools after the lottery date. Parents whose children were not selected in the lottery, should contact the Early Childhood Programs at 305-995-7632 for assistance. Once selected, families will be required to submit a VPK Program Certificate of Eligibility, which can be obtained online at: www.vpkhelp.orgwww.vpkhelp.org.
M-DCPS also offers the Head Start Program, in partnership with the Community Action and Human Services Department of Miami-Dade County. Head Start is a comprehensive federal government-funded child development program that serves children from low-income families beginning on their third birthday. Children with disabilities are included in the program and are eligible to receive a full range of developmental services.
Eligibility for the Head Start Program is based on the income of the family with eligibility established by the federal government. The recruitment period for the 2025-2026 school year beganins in January. Families can apply by visiting any of the M-DCPS Head Start sites located throughout the county or online by visiting headstart.dadeschools.netheadstart.dadeschools.net. For a list of participating schools, visit our website at earlychildhood.dadeschools.netearlychildhood.dadeschools.net.
In addition, Early Childhood Programs offers general education role model seats for typically developing students. This program offers a free full-day or half-day opportunity for 3- and 4-year-old students. The program provides students the opportunity to learn reading, math, science and social studies, as well as develop their social skills in the school environment. Parents should ask at their home or neighborhood school or call the Pre-K ESE office at 305-271-5701 to identify programs near their home.
M-DCPS is your best choice for recognizing the benefits of early childhood education in developing school readiness. We are committed to providing high-quality early learning environments for all young learners.
For more information about Early Childhood Programs, visit earlychildhood.dadeschools.netearlychildhood.dadeschools.net or call 305-995-7632.’
Lynn M. Maceyras is Administrative Director, Department of Early Childhood Programs. Judy Palenzuela is Director of Community Outreach, Department of Early Childhood Programs
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