Free Summer Pre-K Programs Available

News Report:

Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent MaryEllen Elia urges parents of 4 and 5-year-olds to enroll them in free summer Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) at one of the participating 19 public elementary schools.

Children who turn 5 years old by September 1, 2012 (born between Sept. 2, 2006 and Sept. 1, 2007), are Florida residents, and who have never participated in VPK are eligible.

The program will be offered between June 18 and August 8, Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. These hours are flexible so parents can drop off children later than 7:30 a.m. or pick them up earlier than 6 p.m.

The VPK program prepares children to enter kindergarten. The district’s summer program is offered at two South Tampa elementary schools:

• , 705 W. De Leon St.

• , 205 S. Bungalow Park Ave.

No bus transportation is provided. Children will be fed a free breakfast, lunch, and snack.

Registration is now open at the individual school sites. For more information, contact the VPK office at 813-272-4840.