Attention VPK & SR Providers!

Please read the NEW and updated information below regarding VPK and SR program providers! For general questions regarding this information, please contact our Provider Relations Department at (941) 757-2900 ext. 2300.

Sales Tax Holiday 2025

Stock up for back-to-school on qualifying school supplies, clothing, computers, and more exempt from tax all month long during Florida’s extended Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday August 1-31st! For more information and a list of qualifying items, click the link below.

August Provider Update Meeting

Join us in person or virtually on August 12th at 1:00pm for an opportunity to connect with our Child Development Team to learn how they can support you and your staff in the growth, learning, and well-being of the children in your care. Network, collaborate, and stay informed on important updates that support your work with children and families.

Supporting Strong Starts

Joins us for breakfast, engage with peers, learn practical strategies for teaching social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills, and leave with actionable insights to help support the children and families you serve. Registration opens August 13th!

Celebrating 20 Years of VPK!

Were you a 2005 VPK Student Graduate, VPK Teacher or Child Care Director? We want to hear from you! In celebration of 20 years of VPK, the ELC is looking for photos of original VPK students from 2005, along with present-day photos of them.

My Florida Schools Portal

The Florida Department of Education has launched the My Florida Schools Portal - a new tool to help families explore early learning and school options. Please create or update your profile to ensure families have accurate information and increase your visibility in the community.

Lastinger Learning Early Childhood Online Courses Available

FREE online courses are offered to all SR and VPK providers in Florida. Courses are available in English and Spanish, and you can earn 20 professional learning hours, 2.0 IACET CEUs per course, and a $250 stipend upon successful completion.

DOE Resiliency Reading List

The Florida Department of Education is encouraging students to escape into a good book, where they can meet role models, find hope, witness grit and build their own personal strengths. The Resiliency Reading List incudes books and reading guides that help foster resiliency in young readers from prekindergarten to twelfth grade.