Pre-Elementary Programs
Early learning programs like Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), Summer VPK, and Kindergarten, give children a jump start by preparing them for school and enhancing their pre-reading, pre-math, language and social skills. By developing the skills children need to become strong readers and students at an early age, children are more likely to be successful in school.
2025-26 VPK Registration
Florida’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) is a FREE program to prepare 4-year-olds for success in Kindergarten and beyond. To qualify, parents/guardians must be Florida residents and children must be 4 years old on or before 09/01/2025. The child’s date of birth must fall between 09/02/20 and 09/01/21. Additionally, a child who resides in Florida and turns 4 between February 2 and September 1 may attend VPK either the 2025-2026 program year or the 2026-2027 program year.
Parents/guardians MUST provide ONE document from EACH of the two categories below to be issued a certificate for their child:
Proof of Child's Date of Birth
Original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or birth record filed according to law with the appropriate public officer.
Original or certified copy of the child’s certificate of baptism or other religious record of the child’s birth,accompanied by a notarized affidavit stating that the certificate is true and correct, sworn to or affirmed by the child’s parent.
An insurance policy on the child’s life which has been in force for at least two years.
A passport or certificate of the child’s arrival in the United States.
An immunization record signed by a public health officer or licensed practicing physician.
A valid military dependent ID card or a federal or state government issued ID card. If no supporting docs above are available, please contact our office for alternative documentation
Proof of Florida Residency
Utility (electric, gas, water), cable, internet, home or cellular phone bill within 12 months of the date of the application.
Pay stub dated within 12 months of the date of the application.
Residential rental agreement or receipt from rental payment dated within 12 months of the date of the application.
Government-issued document (e.g, FL driver’s license, FL ID card or property tax assessment showing homestead exemption).
Military order showing the child’s parent is a service member in the US Armed Forces and is assigned to duty in Florida when the child attends the VPK Program.
Federal government order showing the child’s parent is a federal employee assigned to work in Florida when the child attends the VPK Program.
FL Migrant Education Program Cert of Eligibility (COE) from the Florida Department of Education.
If no supporting docs above are available, or the child is experiencing homelessness (as defined by Section 1003.01(12),F.S.), please contact our office for alternative documentation.
Parents or legal guardians may apply for a VPK certificate for their child online starting January 1st, 2025:
https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com
*Due to high volume of VPK applications, please allow up to 5 business days for application review/approval. *
The Early Learning Coalition offers 2 computer kiosks in their Shalimar Office to parents during normal business hours.
You may also apply for a VPK re-enrollment online at the website listed above.
SHALIMAR OFFICE
1130 N Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579
(850)833-3627
Monday-Thursday
7:30am - 5:00pm
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Kindergarten
The Okaloosa County School District provides Kindergarten classes at all of our elementary schools. The classes follow the regular (all day) class schedule for the elementary schools, using the standard state curriculum.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Before attending school in Florida (kindergarten through 12th grade), every student is required to have a current Florida Certification of Immunization (Form 680) on file at the school documenting the following vaccinations:
Public/Non-Public Schools Kindergarten through 12th Grade:
Four or five doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
Two or three doses of hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccine
Three, four, or five doses of polio vaccine*
Two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
Two doses of varicella vaccine† for kindergarten and grades one through five
One dose of varicella vaccine† for grades six through twelve
* If the fourth dose of vaccine is administered prior to the fourth birthday, a fifth dose of polio vaccine is required for kindergarten.
† Varicella vaccine is not required if varicella disease is documented by the healthcare provider.
Seventh Grade Requirements:
In addition to kindergarten through 12th grade requirements, students must have the following vaccinations:
One dose of tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in grades seven through eleven
The Okaloosa County Health Department can provide these vaccinations at no charge, or you can go to your private health care provider.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT IMMUNIZATION HOURS
Monday | 7:30AM - 3:30PM |
Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
Wednesday | 7:30PM - 3:30PM |
Thursday - Sunday | Closed |
Crestview Location |
|
Thursday ONLY | 7:30AM - 3:30PM |
Please Note:
No vaccines administered from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm daily.
Availability may be limited during peak times.
Immunizations will be available by appointment only between July 1 - September 1
Appointments for BOTH locations can be made by calling 850.833.9246.
MEDICAL PHYSICAL EXAMS, 1003.22 F.S.
Florida statutes require that each school aged child upon initial entrance into a Florida public school must present certification of a school entry medical examination performed within the twelve (12) months prior to enrollment in school. Without such certification, a medical appointment slip from a licensed physician signifying that the child will have the physical exam within thirty (30) school days must be presented to the school. If no evidence of a medical physical exam is present, the principal will exclude the student until documentation is presented. A child shall be exempt from the requirements upon written request of the parent or guardian of such student stating objections on religious grounds. A form certifying the same may be obtain in the school office and must be entered into the child’s record.
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