Free Program
Voluntary Prekindergarten
Every eligible 4-year-old in Polk County can attend VPK for free — building early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
4,087 children enrolled
Portals, programs, quality support
Providers
Access provider portals, contracts, enrollments, School Readiness, VPK, forms, and support.
Check your child care site's CLASS scoreManage provider work from one place.
Check your child care site's CLASS score
New login process for families and providers
Programs for Providers
Financial Assistance
School Readiness
Helping working families access quality, affordable child care through subsidized enrollment and provider partnerships.
5,626 children servedQuality Support
Provider Development
ELC Polk coaches and supports Polk County's 396 early learning programs — from CLASS training to inclusion services.
396 licensed providersSchool Readiness
Standards, rates, attendance, and forms.
AttendanceRatesForms
VPK operations
Applications, calendars, certificates, and guidance.
ApplicationsCalendarsReadiness
Professional development
Training and quality supports for early learning programs.
TrainingCLASSInclusion
Upcoming
Events for Providers
Jun
27
CLASS Observation Training for Providers
Jun 27, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMELC Polk Winter Haven Office
Full-day CLASS observation and documentation training for early learning providers participating in School Readiness or VPK programs.
Learn moreJul
15
New Provider Orientation
Jul 15, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMVirtual – Zoom
Orientation for child care programs interested in becoming VPK or School Readiness providers. Contact Karen Hallman at ext. 307 to register.
Learn moreJul
22
Inclusion Support Webinar – Warm Line Resources
Jul 22, 2026 · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMVirtual – Zoom
Learn about ELC Polk's inclusion support services for providers serving children with special needs. Registration required.
Call to registerAug
11
VPK Fall 2026 Program Kickoff
Aug 11, 2026 · All dayPolk County VPK Providers
First day of the VPK Fall 2026 term for Polk County children. Families should confirm enrollment with their provider.
News & Updates
Latest for Providers
ELC Polk is open Monday through Thursday 8am–5pm and Friday 8am–12pm.
Child Care Resource and Referral helps families find quality, affordable child care options and local resources.
Children will be prepared for school and life success.
ELC Polk leads community efforts in supporting the success of children.
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