Why Our VPK Program Is the Best Start for Your 4-Year-Old
Hello everyone!
Here at The Melbourne Preschool, our Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program is more than just a “pre-school year”- it’s a hands-on, creative, academically rich experience designed to give your child a joyful and confident transition into kindergarten and beyond! This year we celebrated our largest VPK class ever, and even as summer approaches, fall spots are already filling up fast! Get your VPK certificate early so your child doesn’t miss out! But why choose The Melbourne Preschool for VPK?
Recognized for Excellence
We’re honored to have been a Best of Brevard finalist for both Childcare and Preschool for the last three years—and in 2025 we were named Best of Florida’s BEST VPK Program in the Central Florida region! Our community trusts us to provide a nurturing environment that inspires curiosity, creativity, and growth.
What Makes Our VPK Curriculum Special
Our VPK isn’t just about learning letters and numbers—it’s about engaging minds through hands-on, play-based experiences that truly resonate with young learners. Research shows that play-based and hands-on learning supports children’s problem-solving, communication, and social development, while strengthening cognitive and emotional skills essential for school success.
Through activities like art investigations, creative building challenges, and interactive learning centers, children don’t just learn—they experience learning in ways that tap into their natural curiosity and enthusiasm.
VPK Helps Prepare Your Child for LifeLong Lerning: Elemenrary School and Beyond
Attending a high-quality VPK program gives young learners a head start on the skills they need in kindergarten and beyond. Evidence suggests that children who participate in structured early learning programs, like VPK, develop important foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social interaction that set them up for future success.
But it’s not just academics: VPK also encourages children to build confidence, practice collaboration, and develop a love of learning through playful, meaningful activities.
Extended Free VPK Hours: 8:30am - 2:00pm
To make your day easier and your child’s experience even richer, we are currently the only center in Melbourne to offer extended VPK hours at no extra cost! Our program runs Monday through Friday, 8:30am–2:00pm, giving children more time to explore, create, and connect in our vibrant learning environment- while giving parents the added flexibility they need! In addition to our free extended VPK hours, we also offer full-time care and new part-time options to support families needing extra flexibility before or after the core VPK day.
How to Apply for VPK
Will your little learner be 4-years-old by September 1st? Ready to secure your child’s spot? You’ll need a VPK Certificate of Eligibility, which you can apply for through the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard. Start your application and find out what documents you’ll need here:
👉 Apply for VPK — Early Learning Coalition of Brevard
See you this fall!
Toodleoo!
Academic References:
1) Bodrova, E., & Leong, D. J. (2007). Tools of the mind: The Vygotskian approach to early childhood education (2nd ed.). Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall.
2) Hirsh-Pasek, K., Golinkoff, R. M., Berk, L. E., & Singer, D. G. (2009). A mandate for playful learning in preschool: Presenting the evidence. Oxford University Press.
3) Reynolds, A. J., Temple, J. A., White, B. A., Ou, S. R., & Robertson, D. L. (2011). Age 26 cost–benefit analysis of the Child-Parent Center early education program. Child Development, 82(1), 379–404. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01563.x
4) Early Learning Coalition of Brevard County. (n.d.). Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK). https://elcbrevard.org/parents/voluntary-pre-k/