I enrolled my son in pre-k this year, it didn't cost any thing other than the after care which is relativly inexpensive. It was crazy to enroll, the day of enrollment we had to get there at 6am and they didn't start to take applications until 9am. I think there should be more schools available for children to attend.

I had the opposite experience than Patty. My son's daycare is participating in VPK. The state pays for the 3 hours a day and I pay for before and aftercare which knock tuition down quite a bit. The registration process was not difficult. It was on a set day and time at Family Central. We were not required to be there hours before they started Yes, there were a lot of people but the line got through relatively quickly. If you are well informed before you get there, it's quick. You need your child's birth certificate, utility bill ( I think ) and your driver's license. If you don't know what schools participate, they will give you a list. Once you fill out the application, you take it to the school of choice and your enrolled. I think it's a great headstart for your child. You can call Family Central, they are in Margate and they will give you all the information you need and answer any questions.

I actually live in Monroe County but, the reason for going so early was because of the limited space avalible at the school we were enrolling our son in. We were informed and had all our paperwork done ahead of time. The point is I don't feel that they have enough participating schools or spaces available for the children.

Patty, maybe your experience was different because you live in Monroe? i.e., maybe there are fewer spots there? I live in Broward and I work in pre-k and there seem to be many options. I wanted to add that you can also do a full-day free Voluntary pre-k the summer before your child enrolls in K, IF you haven't done the 3 hrs per day in the school year. Some parents opt for this. Just an idea.