Several states fund pre-K for four-year-olds, which can replace part of the cost of daycare.
Florida VPK
- For every child who is four on or before September 1 (s. 1002.53, Florida Statutes).
- At least 540 instructional hours in the school year, or 300 in summer (ss. 1002.55 and 1002.61).
- Offered by private centers and public schools; apply through the early learning coalition.
California transitional kindergarten (TK)
- Since 2025–26, open to every child who turns four by September 1 (California Department of Education).
- Free, in public schools, with an average of one adult for every 10 students.
Other states
Programs and eligibility differ: some are universal in certain districts and others target income or need. Ask your school district and see your state page.
Pre-K covers part of the day; see school-age care for the rest.
We are an independent guide, not a government website. Verify licensing with the state before you enroll: each state page links to the official search.