Fun Time Early Childhood Academy
VPK: 4 AND 5 YEAR OLDSLocations: Downtown, Estates, Santa Barbara, Golden Gate
Our Fun Time Academy VPK Program: Preparing Young Minds for a Bright Future
In our VPK classrooms, each day is thoughtfully structured to spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare children for kindergarten success. The day begins with warm greetings and engaging morning routines, followed by circle time where children practice early literacy, math, and language skills.
Throughout the day, children participate in hands-on learning centers, creative art, science exploration, and music and movement activities. Outdoor play provides opportunities for physical development and social interaction. Mealtime and quiet rest time help balance active learning with relaxation.
Our caring teachers guide children through structured lessons and play-based experiences aligned with Florida Early Learning Standards, nurturing both academic readiness and social-emotional growth. Each day in VPK presents meaningful opportunities for learning, exploration, and shared growth.
Fun Time Academy VPK Curriculum
Our Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten success through a balanced, engaging, and standards-based curriculum. At Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, we use The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool and the Early Literacy and Learning Model (ELLM) to foster growth in all areas of development, with a strong focus on early literacy and school readiness. Progress is measured through Teaching Strategies GOLD® and aligned with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for 4-Year-Olds.
Curriculum Highlights:
- The Creative Curriculum® provides a play-based, whole-child approach that supports growth in cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language domains.
- ELLM (Early Literacy and Learning Model) strengthens early literacy through vocabulary-building, interactive read-alouds, storytelling, and hands-on activities that link language to real-life experiences.
KEY AREAS OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Social–Emotional:
Children practice cooperation, independence, empathy, and conflict resolution, essential for classroom success.

Physical:
Refining gross motor skills (e.g., running, balancing) and fine motor skills (e.g., writing, cutting, manipulating tools).

Language & Literacy:
Recognizing letters and sounds, writing their name, understanding print concepts, and engaging in storytelling.

Cognitive & Problem-Solving:
Making predictions, asking questions, sorting, sequencing, and exploring early science and social studies concepts.

Mathematics:
Counting, recognizing numbers, identifying shapes, comparing quantities, and beginning simple addition and subtraction.
Developmental Checkpoints & Assessments:
We conduct formal checkpoint assessments three times per year (fall, winter, spring) using Teaching Strategies GOLD®. Recognizing that each child develops at their own pace, our teachers provide personalized guidance and support to ensure every child is on track to meet or exceed expectations. Our goal is to nurture confident, capable learners who feel safe, supported, and excited to grow.
This ongoing observation-based assessment tracks progress in:
- Social–Emotional
- Physical
- Language
- Cognitive
- Literacy
- Mathematics
These checkpoints help us:
- Monitor each child’s developmental milestones
- Individualize instruction and caregiving
- Communicate progress with families through regular conferences
- Determine individual interventions and/or remediation strategies if needed
Our Fun Time VPK Classrooms Feature:
- Kindergarten Readiness Focus
Aligned with Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards to ensure children are fully prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond
- Experienced, Credentialed Teachers
Certified VPK instructors who bring passion, professionalism, and personal attention to every child.
- Small Class Sizes for Individualized Support
More one-on-one time to meet the developmental needs of each learner.
- Hands-On Math & Science Learning
Interactive lessons help children explore numbers, patterns, problem-solving, and early scientific thinking.
- Engaging Learning Centers
Purposeful play environments designed to promote creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Strong Community Partnerships
Community partnerships allow our VPK classrooms to participate in gardening, art lessons, and social emotional lessons.
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