VPK Assessment Preparation: What Parents Need to Know

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is an essential step in a child’s early education, helping them develop key academic and social skills before kindergarten. At the start of VPK, children participate in an initial assessment to evaluate their readiness and track progress throughout the year. Understanding this assessment process can help parents support their child’s learning and ensure a strong start to their VPK experience.

 

In Florida, VPK providers use the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) Star Early Literacy test to measure a child’s early literacy and math skills. This assessment is given at the beginning of the program, with follow-up assessments later in the year to track growth. The results help educators tailor instruction to meet each child’s learning needs.

 

The assessment focuses on:

While the assessment is not a pass-or-fail test, it provides valuable insight into a child’s current skill level and areas where they may need additional support. Parents who focus on VPK assessment preparation at home can help their children feel more confident when the school year begins.

 

The VPK assessment serves several important purposes:

By actively engaging with VPK assessment outcomes, parents can reinforce the skills their child will use in the classroom.

 

Since the initial assessment occurs at the start of the VPK year, parents can help their child feel more comfortable and prepared by fostering key early learning skills at home.

Reading together daily helps children develop early literacy skills. Choose books with engaging pictures and simple sentences, and ask your child to point out familiar letters or predict what happens next in the story. Talking about the story and asking open-ended questions can also build comprehension skills.

Math doesn’t have to feel like a chore—incorporate numbers into everyday activities! Count snacks, identify shapes in the environment, or sort objects by color and size. Simple games like "Which group has more?" or counting the steps up to the front door help reinforce early numeracy in a fun way.

Strong listening skills help children follow instructions in the classroom. Games like Simon Says or scavenger hunts with multi-step directions strengthen listening comprehension while keeping kids engaged. Encouraging children to repeat directions back to you before completing a task also helps build retention.

Success in VPK isn’t just about academics—it’s also about navigating social situations. Practicing turn-taking, sharing, and expressing emotions in healthy ways helps children adjust to a classroom setting. Encouraging independent tasks, like putting on shoes or tidying up toys, fosters confidence and self-sufficiency.

Establishing a predictable routine that includes learning time—such as reading before bed or practicing numbers while setting the table—helps children associate learning with daily life. A routine prepares them for the structured environment of VPK while making skill-building a natural part of their day.

 

At Kids & Company, we understand that the transition into VPK is an important milestone for both children and parents. That’s why our curriculum is designed to support the foundational skills assessed in VPK while creating a fun, nurturing environment for learning.

 

The VPK assessment is a valuable tool for tracking early learning progress and ensuring children receive the support they need. By fostering foundational skills at home and partnering with a quality early education provider like Kids & Company, parents can help their child thrive in VPK and beyond. Starting the year with a strong foundation not only sets children up for success in assessments but also in their lifelong learning journey.