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 Lutheran Services of Florida. For registration information, call (904) 463-9209.  You can also visit their website to apply by clicking here.

District VPK Office
904-630-6790

Early Learning Coalition Office
904-208-2044

Lutheran Services/Head Start
904-463-9209

Step 1: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
Starting January 1, 2025, 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.

2. Set up a parent FOCUS 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 in your parent FOCUS account.

• Ensure you select the correct student before accessing the application.

• Complete and submit the application by 11:59 PM on February 28, 2025.