Free VPK in Oceanway, Jacksonville - Kids Club of Florida
Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten program - VPK - is free prekindergarten for 4-year-olds. At Kids Club of Florida in Oceanway, your child gets that free program in a small, warm, home-away-from-home setting with certified teachers, a consistent daily schedule, and hands-on learning - not a large, impersonal classroom.
We serve families in Oceanway and North Jacksonville, near New Berlin Road and Alta Drive. Many of our parents work early or long days, so we offer both part-time VPK and full-day VPK with wrap-around care in the same classroom, with the same teachers, all day.
Is my child eligible for 2026-2027?
Your child is eligible if all three are true:
- Age: Your child is 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026. For 2026-2027, that means born between September 2, 2021 and September 1, 2022.
- Residency: Your child lives in Florida.
- No income limit: VPK is free for every eligible Florida 4-year-old, regardless of family income.
If your child’s 4th birthday falls between February 2 and September 1, Florida allows you to wait a year and start VPK at age 5 instead. If you are not sure which year is right, call us at (904) 503-3260 and we will talk it through.
What your child learns, and how to enroll
Kindergarten readiness, the Kids Club way
VPK at Kids Club uses structured, hands-on learning aligned with Florida’s early learning standards. Children practice early reading and language, counting and early math, listening and following a routine, taking turns, and doing things for themselves - the skills kindergarten teachers want to see on day one.
- Structured learning environment with a consistent schedule children can count on
- Certified teachers in a safe, intimate setting - not an oversized class
- Hands-on learning: stories, songs, art, building, and outdoor play every day
- Family involvement: stay connected through the Brightwheel app and family activities
- Curriculum: Frog Street Curriculum, as listed on our Programs page
How to enroll in free VPK - 3 steps
Get your Certificate of Eligibility (free, online). Go to the Florida Early Learning Family Portal at familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com, create an account, and apply for VPK. You will upload two things: proof of your child’s age (birth certificate or passport) and proof of Florida residency (driver’s license, utility bill, or lease). Registration for 2026-2027 opened January 1. Questions? Call the Early Learning Coalition of Duval at 904-208-2044.
Bring your certificate to Kids Club. Once the Early Learning Coalition of Duval emails your Certificate of Eligibility, bring it to us at 11257 Alta Drive #119. Choose Kids Club of Florida as your VPK provider.
Book a tour and save your spot. Call (904) 503-3260 to tour, meet the teachers, and complete enrollment. Come before you apply if you prefer - we are happy to walk you through Step 1 in person.
Ready to see it in person?
Call (904) 503-3260 to schedule a tour at 11257 Alta Drive #119, Jacksonville, FL 32226. Open Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm. Follow us on Instagram @kidsclubflorida for classroom moments and enrollment reminders.
Frequently asked questions
“Is VPK really free?”
Yes. The VPK instructional hours - 540 hours in the school-year program - are funded by the State of Florida at no cost to families. Care outside those hours, such as full-day wrap-around care, is optional paid care.
“What ages do you serve besides VPK?”
Kids Club serves children ages 1-5, plus VPK and summer camp, Monday-Friday from 6:30am to 6:00pm.
“Where are you located?”
11257 Alta Drive #119, Jacksonville, FL 32226, in Oceanway in North Jacksonville, near New Berlin Road. Phone: (904) 503-3260.
“Do you accept fee assistance besides VPK?”
Our Programs page lists School Readiness and other fee-assistance options. Call (904) 503-3260 for what is currently accepted and current tuition for non-VPK hours - we do not publish prices here because they can change.
“How many hours is VPK each day?”
The school-year program totals 540 instructional hours, which works out to about 3 hours per school day. Full-day students stay beyond those hours for wrap-around care until pickup - center hours are 6:30am-6:00pm.
“When should I apply for 2026-2027?”
As soon as you can. Registration opened January 1 through the Florida Family Portal. Apply for your Certificate of Eligibility first, then bring it to Kids Club - popular VPK classrooms fill, and applying early gives you the best choice of part-time or full-day.
“Can I tour before I apply?”
Yes - and we encourage it. Call (904) 503-3260 to schedule a tour at 11257 Alta Drive #119. See the classroom, meet the teachers, and we will walk you through the Certificate of Eligibility steps in person.
For Oceanway and North Jacksonville families: If you searched for “free VPK near me,” “VPK Oceanway,” or “preschool 32226,” this is your local option - a small, family-focused center in Oceanway, not a long drive across Jacksonville. Ages 1-5, VPK, and summer camp, all in one place, with sibling care under the same roof.