Duval County Public Schools offers a variety of engaging early learning programs that prepare children for successful entry into kindergarten. Parents may enroll their children aged 3-5 in a standards-based, developmentally appropriate school-year program or the Summer Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program for children entering kindergarten in the fall.  Qualified families may choose to enroll in a comprehensive early learning program (Head Start) for students as young as three years of age.

DCPS Head Start Program (ages 3 & 4)
Head Start early learning services are available at several DCPS elementary schools through a partnership with Episcopal Children's Services. For registration information, visit their website, www.ecs4kids.org, to apply.

District VPK Office
904-630-6790

Early Learning Coalition Office
904-208-2044

Step 1: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
Starting January 1, 2026, you can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility through the Early Learning Coalition of Duval. Use the following link to begin your application: ELC Duval

Step 2: Create the Student Number and Parent FOCUS Account
All applications must be submitted online via the parent FOCUS account. To get started:

1. Create a student number and upload two proofs of address.

2. Set up a parent FOCUS account and link the student to the account.

For detailed instructions on completing the steps above, click here: Student Enrollment

Step 3: Submit the VPK Application
Once step two is successfully completed:

• Locate the VPK application under the Forms tab. Be sure to highlight the student's name you are applying for if multiple students are linked to your parent account.

• Answer all questions before submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

• Applications will be processed after the window closes. Lottery notifications will be sent before the end of April 2025.