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Misson Statement
Our mission is to provide young children and their families with high-quality, inclusive learning environments that nurture educational, physical, and emotional growth. Empowering families and strengthening community partnerships ensures students are prepared for success.
2026/2027 school year application is still open!!! Now offering before care at 6:30 am and aftercare until 5:30 pm. Please see below for details!
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Application Information
Our Available Programs
- VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten): For children 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026. Includes 3 hours of free instruction daily.
- Head Start: Comprehensive early education for children ages 3 and 4. This is a free, full-day program.
- Note: VPK and Head Start can be blended for a full-day experience.
- Early Head Start: Serving pregnant women and children from birth to age 3. This is a free, full-day program.
- Tuition-Based Programs: Flexible, high-quality care options for families who do not qualify for or require subsidized programs.
- Teen Parent Program: Specialized childcare and support for students working to complete their education.
- Before and Aftercare : Offered at the Baker Center and Pumpkin Patch 6:30 am-5:30 pm
2026/2027 Printable Application, Click Here
2026/2027 imprimible en Español, Haga Clic Aquí
Come visit us at the following locations
Baker Center
311 E. Charlotte Ave Punta Gorda, 33950
941-575-5470
Pumpkin Patch
18300 Cochran Blvd Port Charlotte, 33948
941-559-2050
Documents may be needed depending on the program you choose. Please see the list below for possible documentation
Birth Certificate
Proof of Household Income
SNAP/TANF/SSI
Proof of Charlotte County Residency
IEP/IFSP
**Click here to apply with the Early Learning Coalition for the VPK voucher**
Only children who are four (4) before September 1st, 2026 will need to fill this out.
Individualized Learning
Activities and environment's designed to meet each child's unique developmental needs.
Relationship Focused
Staff dedicated to establishing trust and working collaboratively to support children and families
Kindergarten Readiness
Certified staff committed to implementing play-based curriculum, preparing children cognitively and socially for kindergarten
Parent Involvment
Teachers and parents working together to individualize learning and setting educational goals for children
Get involved
If you are interested in a career in the Early Childhood Progam check out the open positions.
Parent Committee Policy Council
If you are interested in getting involved in Parent Committee or Policy Council, click the links above to learn more about it.
Click the link above for Volunteer opportunities.