What is VPK and how does it work?? (Tampa: 2014, day care)

[carrieleisure]

We're moving to Tampa this summer and I've been on the hunt for a Christian Preschool for me daughter to attend. I've come across VPK several times and finally decided to google it. Can someone tell me how it works? Is it a welfare thing? I certainly don't mind paying for my childs preschool but its considerably more expensive than what it costs us in Ohio. However, I don't want her to go to a bad school just to have it for free. Any info is appreciated! Thanks!

[EngGirl]

VPK is free for any child who is 4 year old on September 1. All you need to do is to get a voucher and bring it to the provider who is accepting it and doing VKP. Not all preschools are accepting these vouchers. And most good ones will be full by summer or even sooner. You can sign up your child for school year (August - May) or just for the following school year summer.
Some centers provide classes Monday-Friday from 9 am to 12 pm or from 1pm to 4 pm, some have few full days during the week. If you wish to keep your child full time at day care, you will have to pay extra. For example, on top of VPK voucher we are paying $125 per week. VPK schedule is the same as county school schedule, so during holiday breaks you might keep your child at the center and pay more (175 per week in оur case when there is no VPK). Some centers/schools are closed for breaks, so you will have to find another option.
There is an attendance policy, so you cannot miss a lot of days during school year.

If your child will be 4 by September 1, 2014, you can get your VKP voucher and start looking for VPK provider. Our center had no spots for upcoming school year by May.

VKP is something you don't need to do if you don't want it, but I was impressed with our center and the level of education my child receives there.

I think you should get VPK voucher in the county you will be attending preschool in, but I am not sure