What is Voluntary PreK

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is high-quality, publicly funded prekindergarten programs. Programs across Minnesota are able to serve over 12,000 children throughout the state in 208 school districts and charter schools.  AFSA PreK Is our districts Voluntary Preschool Program.

Due to changes in Minnesota law the eligibility requirements for AFSA's PreK program has changed beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

Children are eligible for AFSA's PreK program if they are four years of age as of September 1st in the calendar year in which the school year begins and meet one of the following criteria: 

• Qualify for educational benefits
• Qualify using state general financial eligibility requirements
•  Is an English language learner 
• Is an American Indian 
• Has experienced homelessness in the last 24 months 
• Is identified through health and developmental screening with a potential risk factor that may influence learning 
• Is in foster care, kinship care, or is in need of child protection services 
• Has a parent who is a migrant or seasonal agricultural laborer. 
• Has a parent who is incarcerated. 
• Is defined as at risk by the school district. 

AFSA PreK-12 encourages caregivers interested in our preschool program to complete the application. 

 If you are interested in enrolling in AFSA's PreK program but unsure if your child meets the new eligibility requirements, please contact Liz Burkwald.

 

Click here to apply for AFSA's PreK program. 

 

 

Schedule Example

7:50-8:00 Arrival
8:00-8:15 Morning Tubs
8:15-8:25 Linear Calendar and Circle Time
8:25-9:25 Math + Small Group Activities
9:30-10:00 Recess/Outdoor Time 
10:10-10:50 Centers + Small Group Activities
11:00-11:30 Lunch
11:45-12:45 Nap/quiet time
1:00-1:30 Writing
1:30-2:00 Recess (Just Pre-K & K)
2:00-2:15 Snack Time
2:15-2:45 Centers/Free Play
2:50-3:00 Closing Circle