Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)
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. ISD 622 Pre-K is our district's Voluntary Preschool Program. Due to changes in Minnesota law the eligibility requirements for VPK funding has changed beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
Children are eligible for free Pre-K if they are four years of age as of September 1 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. This link will provide our sliding fee scale and instructions for “Income Based Tuition”
- 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.
ISD 622 encourages caregivers interested in our Pre-K program to complete the application. If your child does not meet the new program eligibility requirements, they may still be enrolled in Pre-K with a parent fee.
If you are interested in enrolling in Pre-K but unsure if your child meets the new eligibility requirements, please contact The Office of Early Learning at 651-702-8411.