Marion County Public Schools

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Welcome to the Early Learning Family Connection- Your Partner in Learning!

Welcome to Marion County Public Schools! We are honored to partner with families from birth through school age as your child begins their learning journey. Our collection of resources is designed to nurture curiosity, support healthy development, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Together, with families as our partners, we are committed to helping every child feel supported and ready to grow. Please check back often for new updates and resources to support your growing child.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Beck

Director, Early Learning

Supporting Children from Birth to Kindergarten

This website is designed to connect families with programs, services, and simple at-home strategies that support your child’s growth, development, and school readiness. Whether you are looking for parenting resources, early learning programs, VPK information, or support for unique learning needs, you will find helpful tools here to guide and support your family every step of the way!

Foundations for School Readiness

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Parent Resources (Birth to Age 5): Discover trusted resources that support your child’s growth from birth through age five. From developmental milestones to library programs and early learning standards, this page connects you with tools that help you nurture learning, confidence, and school readiness at every stage.

Parent Monthly Newsletter from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE): Stay informed with helpful tips and updates for families with young children. This newsletter offers guidance on school readiness, learning at home, and finding quality early childhood programs.

Parent Literacy Tips: Learn simple, everyday ways to build strong reading and language skills at home. This page shares practical tips, early literacy activities, and information about free book programs that help children develop a love of reading.

Parent Math Tips: See how easy it is to build early math skills during daily routines. Discover simple ideas for talking about numbers, comparing sizes, counting objects, and making math a natural part of your child’s day.

Early Literacy Resource Guide is a tool designed to support families with their child's language and reading development from birth through the early school years.

Early Learning Programs and Services

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HIPPY Program: Learn how the free HIPPY home-based program helps you become your child’s first and most important teacher. Designed for families with children ages 3 to 5, HIPPY provides easy-to-use activities that build literacy, thinking skills, and school readiness at home.

The Stepping Stone Program: Explore this play-based early learning program offered at select schools. Stepping Stone helps young children build language, social, and early academic skills in a safe and engaging environment that prepares them for future success.

Fordham Early Learning Academy: Discover this unique school choice opportunity serving children from age three through second grade. Learn about hands-on early learning, caring teachers, and before and after-school care options designed specifically for young learners.

Early Learning Coalition: Find information on school-readiness programs, VPK options, and childcare support available in Marion County. This page helps families access high-quality early learning programs that prepare children for kindergarten.

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS): If your child has unique learning needs, this page connects you with support, training, and guidance. Learn how FDLRS partners with families to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

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Click here for resources on registering for Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

Click to access VPK Curriculum resources

Click to access the MCPS PreK ESE website

Registering for Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK): Ready to apply for VPK? Find eligibility requirements, lottery dates, and step-by-step registration information to help you complete the process with confidence.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Curriculum: Take a closer look at what your child will be learning in VPK. This page explains the standards and curriculum used in Marion County classrooms so you can better understand how we prepare children for kindergarten.

Prekindergarten Exceptional Student Education (PreK ESE): Explore resources and services available for young children with disabilities. This page provides information about support systems, inclusion, and educational services that help children succeed in school and beyond.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Parent Documents: Access important documents and guides for families with children enrolled in VPK. This section includes handbooks, attendance information, and helpful resources to support a successful school year.

Ready for Kindergarten

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Click here to access resources to help with transitionoing your child to Kindergarten

Transition to Kindergarten: Help your child take the next big step with confidence. This page provides practical tips, readiness guides, and family-friendly resources to make the move to kindergarten smooth and positive.