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.
Lift and Learn Program (age 3)
The Lift & Learn program at John Love Early Learning Center is a high-quality early learning initiative designed for 3-year-olds to build a strong foundation before entering VPK. It blends hands-on, play-based learning with intentional instruction, incorporating experiences such as garden-based learning, early coding and robotics, and creative arts through partnerships like Cathedral Arts. The program emphasizes language development, early literacy, independence, and self-regulation, using tools like the Brigance assessment and targeted interventions (e.g., Nemours Bright Start) to monitor and support each child’s progress. It is positioned as the first phase of a multi-year strategy to accelerate school readiness and long-term student success.
Apply here for Lift and Learn Program: Lift and Learn Fall Enrollment Application – Fill out form
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.
Key Phone Numbers
District VPK Office
904-630-6790
Early Learning Coalition Office
904-208-2044
The late application window opens on April 20th. Below are the steps for successful completion of the application:
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:
Create a student number and upload two proofs of address.
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: Obtain and submit the VPK Application
Once step two is successfully completed:
Complete the application. Duval County Public Schools 2026-2027 VPK Late Application – Fill out form.
Answer all questions before submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Applications will be processed in the order received. Students will be placed by availability.