A constitutional amendment passed by Florida’s voters in Nov. 2002 required a voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) program for all four-year-old children by fall 2005. House Bill 1-A was signed into law by Governor Bush on January 2, 2005, creating a program designed to prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. The program allows a parent to enroll his or her eligible child (four years old by September 1 and residing in Florida) in a VPK program. The VPK program is FREE for eligible children; regardless of family income. The program is voluntary for children and providers.