Day Care for Infants Near Fort Lauderdale FL: Free VPK at Brighton Academy
Finding the right day care for infants near Fort Lauderdale FL is one of the most important decisions a family will make, and it’s a decision Brighton Academy doesn’t take lightly. Located in Pompano Beach, our licensed center welcomes children starting at just six weeks old and guides them all the way through fifth grade. Along that journey, our families reach one especially exciting milestone: enrollment in our completely free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, built on an early learning curriculum near Fort Lauderdale FL that is designed to make the transition into kindergarten feel natural, confident, and fun.
Every family who tours Brighton Academy quickly notices that our classrooms feel less like a facility and more like a second home. Our teachers are early childhood specialists who understand that infants, toddlers, and four- and five-year-olds each need a very different rhythm of care, structure, and encouragement. Whether you’re researching infant care for the first time or comparing prekindergarten programs near Fort Lauderdale FL, our goal on this page is simple: show you exactly what a day at Brighton Academy looks like, and make your decision easy.
What Is Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)?
Voluntary Prekindergarten, better known as VPK, is a Florida state-funded program designed to prepare four- and five-year-olds for kindergarten before they ever step into an elementary school classroom. It was created because research consistently shows that children who attend a strong prekindergarten program arrive at kindergarten more confident, more independent, and better equipped to read, count, and interact with their peers.
In Florida, VPK is funded through the Office of Early Learning
and administered locally through Early Learning Coalitions, which means eligible families do not pay tuition for the program. At Brighton Academy, we’ve built our VPK classrooms specifically around this funding model, so families can access a genuinely free, high-quality prekindergarten experience without compromising on curriculum, safety, or teacher qualifications.
Free VPK Near Fort Lauderdale FL
When families search for free VPK near Fort Lauderdale FL, the first question is almost always, “Is it actually free?” At Brighton Academy, the answer is yes. Because our VPK program is funded through the State of Florida, there is no tuition cost for the core VPK school-year program for eligible four-year-olds (or five-year-olds who have not yet entered kindergarten). Families are simply responsible for completing the state eligibility paperwork, which our office is happy to help you through.
Program Feature | What It Means for Your Family |
|---|---|
Tuition | No cost for the standard school-year VPK program for eligible children |
Program Length | State-funded school-year VPK (approximately 540 hours) or summer VPK option |
Location | Pompano Beach campus, minutes from Fort Lauderdale |
Extended Care | Optional before- and after-care available for working families at an additional cost |
While the core VPK program is free, many of our families choose to add wraparound care before or after the school-day hours so their child’s schedule matches a full work day. Our experienced educators lead every VPK classroom, and our structured environment means your child gets the full benefit of the free program plus the consistency of staying at one familiar campus all day.
Voluntary Prekindergarten Near Fort Lauderdale FL
Families searching for voluntary prekindergarten near Fort Lauderdale FL are usually looking for more than a free program — they want reassurance that their child will actually be ready for kindergarten. At Brighton Academy, our VPK classrooms are built around learning through play, which means children build academic skills through hands-on activities, guided games, and purposeful exploration rather than sitting through lectures.
Throughout the VPK year, children develop language
and communication skills, early literacy and numeracy, and the social and emotional foundation they’ll need to thrive in a busy kindergarten classroom. Teachers gently guide group activities that build listening skills, turn-taking, and problem-solving, while one-on-one moments give each child individualized attention as they master new letters, sounds, and numbers.
VPK School Near Fort Lauderdale FL
Not every VPK school near Fort Lauderdale FL offers the same experience, and families deserve to know what sets one apart from another. At Brighton Academy, every VPK teacher holds an early childhood education credential, and our classrooms are intentionally sized so teachers can give each child real, individual attention rather than managing a crowd.
Our Pompano Beach campus was designed specifically for young learners, with secure entry systems, bright and welcoming classrooms, and an indoor “Exploratorium” filled with enrichment centers that spark imagination. Add in consistent parent communication and a convenient location just minutes from Fort Lauderdale, and it’s easy to see why so many local families choose Brighton Academy as their VPK school.
VPK Program Near Fort Lauderdale FL
Parents comparing a VPK program near Fort Lauderdale FL often want to know what an actual day looks like, so here is a sample of a typical day inside a Brighton Academy VPK classroom.
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
Morning Arrival | Greeting circle, free choice at learning centers |
Morning Lesson | Letters, phonics, and early literacy activities |
Group Time | Story time, music and movement, group discussion |
Outdoor Play | Gross motor activities and structured outdoor play |
Creative Arts | Art projects, sensory play, and imaginative activities |
Afternoon Lesson | Numbers, counting, and hands-on problem-solving |
Wind Down | Quiet time, reflection, and preparation for dismissal |
Throughout the day, children rotate through hands-on learning centers, group interaction, outdoor play, creative arts, story time, and music and movement, all woven together so the day feels engaging rather than repetitive. This balance of structure and play is exactly what makes our VPK program effective at building kindergarten-ready skills.
A Curriculum Built for Curious Minds
Our early learning curriculum near Fort Lauderdale FL is built around the specific skills children need before kindergarten: letter recognition, phonics, vocabulary development, and early writing on the literacy side, along with number recognition, counting, and problem-solving on the math side. We also weave in science exploration and creative thinking so children learn to ask questions and experiment, not just memorize facts.
None of this feels overly academic to the children experiencing it.
Our prekindergarten programs near Fort Lauderdale FL are intentionally designed so that skill-building happens through games, songs, art projects, and guided play, alongside steady growth in social development as children learn to share, cooperate, and resolve small conflicts with their classmates.
Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten
Kindergarten readiness is often the single biggest reason parents enroll in VPK, and it’s something we build into every part of the Brighton Academy day. Children practice independence by managing their own belongings and following classroom routines, and they build listening skills through group instructions and story time discussions.
By the end of the VPK year, most children can recognize letters and sounds, count and identify numbers, follow multi-step directions, and communicate their needs clearly and confidently. Just as importantly, they’ve learned how to be part of a classroom community: raising a hand, waiting a turn, and working alongside classmates, all of which makes the jump into kindergarten feel far less overwhelming.
Eligibility & Enrollment Made Simple
Enrolling in VPK is more straightforward than most families expect. Florida requires that your child be four years old on or before September 1 of the school year (or five years old and not yet enrolled in kindergarten). From there, the state requires a short application process before your child can start.
Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
1. Confirm Age Eligibility | Verify your child turns 4 on or before September 1 |
2. Apply Through the State | Complete the online VPK application with Florida’s Office of Early Learning |
3. Receive Your VPK Certificate | The state issues a certificate confirming your child’s eligibility |
4. Bring Documents to Brighton Academy | Provide the certificate, birth certificate, and immunization records |
5. Choose a Start Date | Select from our available school-year or summer VPK enrollment periods |
Our front office team walks every family through this process personally, so you’re never left guessing which forms you need or where in the process you stand. Once your paperwork is complete, we’ll help you settle into the classroom that fits your child’s age and needs.
Meet Our Team of Educators
Every educator at Brighton Academy holds an Early Childhood Education credential or degree, and our commitment to quality doesn’t stop at hiring. Our teachers complete a minimum of 25 in-service training hours each year, well above Florida’s required 10-hour minimum, and all staff maintain current infant and child CPR and first aid certification.
Beyond credentials, every staff member is fingerprinted and registered with the Department of Children and Families and the State of Florida, so families can feel confident that the adults spending their day with their children have been carefully and thoroughly screened.
A Safe & Supportive Learning Environment
Safety shapes nearly every design decision at Brighton Academy. Our entrance is secured with key pad locks, and parents must be buzzed into the reception area, where they sign their child in and out and hand off directly to our front office staff. Security cameras monitor our facility inside and out, 24 hours a day.
Classrooms are closely supervised at all times, staff are trained in emergency procedures, and our computer lab has no internet access to keep screen time safe and age-appropriate. It’s this combination of visible security and quiet, everyday supervision that gives parents peace of mind while they’re away.
Staying Connected With Parents
Strong communication is part of what makes the VPK year feel collaborative rather than one-directional. Families receive regular updates on their child’s day, along with periodic parent-teacher conferences and progress reports that track growth toward kindergarten readiness milestones.
Teachers are also available for quick conversations at drop-off and pickup, so small questions never have to wait for a scheduled meeting. This open line of communication is one of the most consistent things families mention when describing why they trust Brighton Academy with their child’s early education.
What Fort Lauderdale Area Families Are Saying
“My daughter finished VPK at Brighton Academy already reading simple books and so excited for kindergarten. Her teachers made every day feel like an adventure.” — A Brighton Academy VPK Parent
“We toured a few schools before choosing Brighton Academy, and the difference was the teachers. They knew our son’s name before we even finished the tour.” — A Brighton Academy VPK Parent
“The free VPK program saved us so much, and the quality never felt like it was missing anything compared to paid programs nearby.” — A Brighton Academy VPK Parent
Proudly Serving Fort Lauderdale and Nearby Communities
Brighton Academy is located at 560 E. McNab Road in Pompano Beach, FL 33060, just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale and neighboring communities including Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Margate, Lauderdale Lakes, and North Lauderdale. Families throughout Broward County choose us for both infant care and our free VPK program.
Brighton Academy is licensed under License #46374 and has earned recognition including the Gold Seal of Excellence from the Florida Department of Children & Families, APPLE accreditation, and recognition from the Early Learning Coalition of Broward. You’re welcome to call us at 954-782-1234 to ask questions or schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About VPK Near Fort Lauderdale FL
Any Florida resident child who turns four on or before September 1 of the school year qualifies for free VPK, regardless of family income.
What age must my child be to enroll?
Your child must be four years old on or before September 1, or be five years old and not yet enrolled in kindergarten.
Do children who turn 4 later in the year still qualify?
No — the September 1 cutoff determines eligibility for that school year; children turning 4 after that date generally enroll the following year.
Does my income affect VPK eligibility?
No. VPK is a universal state program, so eligibility is based on age and Florida residency, not household income.
Is there a waitlist if enrollment fills up?
Availability can vary by classroom and start date, so it’s best to apply and reach out to us as early as possible.
Yes. The standard school-year VPK program is fully funded by the State of Florida, so there is no tuition for eligible children.
Are there any additional fees?
Optional services like before- or after-care and some supplies may carry a separate fee, but the core VPK instructional program itself is free.
What does the state VPK funding cover exactly?
It covers the required instructional hours of the VPK program, including your child’s teacher-led classroom time.
Do I need to pay for supplies or materials?
Most core classroom materials are included; any optional extras will always be communicated to families in advance.
Our VPK classrooms follow a play-based early learning curriculum that builds literacy, math, and social skills through hands-on activities.
Is the curriculum play-based or academic?
It’s both — academic skills like letters and numbers are taught through play, games, and guided activities rather than worksheets alone.
How is kindergarten readiness measured?
Teachers track progress through ongoing classroom observation and periodic assessments tied to state kindergarten readiness benchmarks.
Will my child learn letters and numbers?
Yes, letter recognition, phonics, number recognition, and counting are all core parts of the daily VPK schedule.
VPK follows a structured school-day schedule, with optional extended-care hours available for working families.
Do you offer before- or after-care?
Yes, wraparound care is available before and after the standard VPK school day for an additional fee.
What are extended-care hours and costs?
Extended-care hours and pricing vary; our office can walk you through current options during enrollment.
Is VPK offered year-round or seasonal?
Brighton Academy offers both a school-year VPK program and a summer VPK option, depending on availability.
Families need a state-issued VPK eligibility certificate, their child’s birth certificate, and current immunization records.
Do I need proof of residency?
Yes, Florida residency documentation is typically required as part of the state VPK application process.
What if I don’t have my child’s birth certificate yet?
Reach out to our office — we can advise on acceptable alternative documentation while you request a copy.
How do I complete the state VPK certificate?
You’ll apply directly through Florida’s Office of Early Learning online portal, and our team is happy to help if you get stuck.
From your baby’s very first day in our infant room to their final year of VPK before kindergarten, Brighton Academy is proud to be the day care for infants near Fort Lauderdale FL that families trust to nurture, teach, and protect their children every step of the way. Schedule a tour of our Pompano Beach campus today and see for yourself why so many local families choose Brighton Academy for every stage of early childhood.