VPK Program
VPK at BCA
BCA participates in the state-funded Voluntary Pre-K Education Program (VPK). Each school year we welcome 32 students to our VPK program divided into two classrooms. Each class has the same fun and learning opportunities.
Every day you can expect your child to have circle time, which focuses on the community of the class, individual learning activities, and outside time. From the time they walk in the door to the time they leave, the learning doesn’t stop. In addition to VPK instructional hours, BCA also offers special events throughout the school year like our annual Christmas Pageant, Dr. Seuss Parade, or our Multicultural Festival. This is how we bring our families into the school to participate in the BCA spirit. These special events bring a sense of community to our school and give us a way to meet and reconnect with our families. At the end of the school year, we have our VPK Graduation where we bid farewell to our students.
Creative Curriculum
At Broward Christian Academy we use the Creative Curriculum to engage students in learning. On your tour, you will see our classrooms are divided into 8 centers- art, math, science, dramatic play, sensory and water play, library, manipulatives, and blocks. This encourages each child to learn in multiple ways. The curriculum encourages teachers to plan their lessons for the week and to include all the centers. Part of what makes The Creative Curriculum an excellent teaching tool is it uses weekly themes to build upon prior knowledge.
We teach based on what each child knows and use objectives and assessments to guide them to new skills and learning milestones. As the week progresses they will learn new things to add to the subject at hand. We truly believe this approach to learning encourages students to be confident learners and grasp BIG concepts. We encourage you to ask to see one of our lesson plans posted on the bulletin board of each classroom.
You will get to see the variety of ways they will learn in our program. One day they’re artists learning to paint with different tools and textures and the following day they’re scientists experimenting with cause and effect. Each parent will receive a copy of the week’s lesson plan emailed to them in their child’s daily report on Monday. This way families can continue the learning at home with their little ones.
Parent Communication
BCA believes in strong parent-teacher communication and relationships for the success of each student. We try our best to keep lines of communication open for all of our parent’s questions and concerns. We use a school app called “Procare” to communicate daily reports. Each day you will receive a daily report which shows what your child learned, participated in, and enjoyed. This is also the best way to communicate with your child’s teacher.
Benefits of a VPK Program
VPK is FREE for all children who obtain a voucher in the state of Florida. To apply, children must be Florida residents and four years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year. Free means free- no registration fee. VPK instructional hours at BCA are from 8:30 – 11:30 AM and include 30 minutes of outdoor play. That is a total of 540 instructional hours for the school year. To apply for VPK simply head over to https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/ and complete the VPK Application. You will need to submit a copy of your child’s birth certificate, and proof of Florida residency. Once you have completed the application, ELC will email you your voucher. BCA requires this voucher to secure your child’s spot in our program.
VPK gives children a jump start by preparing them for school and enhancing their pre-reading, pre-math, language, and social skills. Children enrolled in BCA for VPK will have quarterly assessments required by the State of Florida so that families and teachers know exactly what skills are being learned and what skills need reinforcing. At the end of the school year, you will also receive a Student Portfolio which will have your child’s schoolwork for the year. This is a great keepsake that shows how your child learned and progressed throughout the year.