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Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

The Department of Early Learning serves Leon County's youngest learners through high-quality, comprehensive programs offered at  23 school sites and 3 Early Learning Centers. We proudly oversee the Teenage Parent Program (TAPP), the LCS Head Start Preschool (HSP), Early Head Start (EHS), and the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs, offering early learning experiences and comprehensive services for children from birth through age 5 and their families.

 

For more detailed contact information, and to sign up and get started today, visit:
Department of Early Learning Website

At Leon County Schools, we believe early learning isn’t just the beginning of a child’s education—it’s the launchpad for lifelong success. With 90% of brain development occurring before age five, the experiences children have in these early years shape how they learn, communicate, and grow. That’s why we’re committed to providing rich, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments from the very start.

Why Early Learning Matters

High-quality early learning sets the stage for strong academic and social foundations. At LCS:

  • Instruction begins early, starting at age 3 for eligible students and at age 4 for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK).
  • Our classrooms use The Creative Curriculum, a research-based, play-centered approach aligned with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards.
  • Every PK classroom is led by a certified early childhood educator, supported by trained paraprofessionals who help create responsive, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences.

From building early literacy and math skills to fostering social-emotional development, our programs are designed to help every child thrive: today, in kindergarten, and beyond.

What Early Learning programs do we offer?

Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK)

Learn more about the VPK First program

The Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program is a state-funded program designed to prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. The program allows a parent to enroll their eligible child (four years old by September 1 and residing in Florida) in a FREE VPK program of their choice. The program is voluntary for children and providers. In Leon County Schools, the free VPK program is combined with additional hours called “Pre-K”. The combined VPK and Pre-K hours create a full school day program. At some schools, the full day is free, and at others, the Pre-K portion of the day is tuition-supported. 

The direct connection between the VPK Program and the District ensures that the services available through the District are provided to the students enrolled in the program. 

 

VPK First

Learn more about the VPK First

VPK First is a free, part-day program for children who turn 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. If their fourth birthday falls between February 2 and September 1, parents can postpone enrolling their child in VPK that year and wait until the following year when their child is 5. 

VPK First is available at all LCS elementary schools and the Department of Early Learning Early Childhood Centers. 

PK Exceptional Student Education (ESE)

Learn more about ESE services for Pre-K

Leon County Schools provides PK Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services for children ages 3–5 who qualify for support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services ensure young learners receive specially designed instruction and related therapies tailored to their individual needs. 

PK ESE services are delivered within Pre-K classrooms across the district, allowing children to learn alongside their peers while receiving the support they need to grow and thrive. 

Early Learning Centers

Learn more about our Early Learning Centers

The Department of Early Learning operates three Early Childhood Centers. In addition, PK is offered at every LCS elementary school. 

We provide three locations for early learning centers:

  • Trojan Trail – 
    • Serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. 
    • Children from 6 weeks to 3 years are served through the Early Childcare Center.
    • Children from 4 to 5 years are served through the Leon County Schools VPK First Program.
  • Lively Campus – 
    • Serves children ages 6 weeks to 3 years through the Early Childcare Center. 
  • Wesson Campus – 
    • Serves children ages 4 to 5 years through the Leon County Schools VPK First Program.

 

Early Steps Transitions

Learn more about Early Steps Transitions

Leon County Schools partners with Early Steps and community agencies to ensure young children who receive Part C early intervention services experience a smooth transition into Pre-K Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services when they turn three years old. 

This process is guided by federal requirements under IDEA and by our local Interagency Agreement, which outlines shared responsibilities, timelines, and procedures. 

Our goal is to help families feel supported, informed, and confident throughout this transition. 

Teenage Parent Program (TAPP)

Learn more about TAPP

The Teenage Parenting Program is a supportive program designed to help pregnant and parenting teens succeed in school while developing the skills needed for healthy parenting. \it provides academic support, parenting education, life skills training, and access to community resources, helping young parents balance their education, personal growth, and family responsibilities.