VPK

VPK (4-5 Years)

Our VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) program prepares children for a successful transition to school by emphasizing school readiness skills such as early literacy, numeracy, problem solving, and critical thinking. Through a balanced curriculum that includes both structured learning activities and hands on exploration, we foster a love of learning and a positive attitude towards school.

Class Overview

  • Names of Classes:
    4Day: Sea Turtles
    5Day: Chipmunks & Hedgehogs

  • Days of the Week: Our VPK program has the option of 4Day Monday-Thursday or all five days.

  • Hours:
    4Day Straight: 9-1pm
    5Day Straight: 9-12pm
    5Day Plus: 9-1pm

  • Staff-to-Child Ratio: 2:16

  • Max # of Students: 16 Students

  • Chapel & Family Chapel: Our VPK classes attend chapel once a week on Wednesdays. We also host a Family Chapel once a month and encourage parents and grandparents to join us.

Classroom Layout

Welcome to our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Classroom, where the air is filled with the delightful hum of curiosity and the promise of endless learning opportunities. Our Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten classroom is not merely a room; it’s a canvas for imagination, a haven for growth, and a place where each child’s educational journey begins with joy and excitement. From the cozy reading nook that whispers tales of far-off lands to the dynamic learning centers where creativity knows no bounds, every inch of this space is crafted to nurture the unique potential with each little learner. Each section of the room serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall richness of the learning environment.

Our Schedules & Routines

A structured daily schedule is like a roadmap that ensures smooth navigation through daily activities. It provides children with a sense of predictability and security, knowing what to expect and when.

By setting consistent daily activities we create a reassuring routine that children can rely on. They know that after playtime, it’s time for a story and after that its snack time. This predictability not only fosters a sense of security but also helps children transition smoothly between activities. It strikes a balance that nurtures their cognitive, social and emotional development and enriches their overall growth.

Sample Classroom Schedule

Time Activity
9:00 am Arrival
9:15 am – 9:30 am Students unpack backpacks, lunch boxes & water bottles, turn in folders & wash hands, then work on morning activity while friends arrive.
9:30 am – 10:00 am Circle time. Morning prayer, song, calendar, story and activity.
10:00 am – 10:15 am Snack. Those who are finished can go to carpet & look at books or work puzzles.
10:15 am – 10:45 am Cleanup and bathroom
11:00 am – 11:30 am Playground/gross motor activities
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Students go to carpet when entering room. Journals, writing, story, learning skill. Continue assignments & centers. Start cleanup & handwashing at 11:55am.
12:00pm – 12:30pm Prayer, lunch and conversation. Cleanup/ pack up when finished. Quiet free choice if finished early.
12:30 pm- 1:00pm Circle time. Review the day. Children share something they learned, liked or did. Read a story. Review a skill. Prepare for dismissal.
1:00pm Dismissal

Our VPK Team

All teachers and staff that interact with the children have undergone and passed extensive background checks, as mandated by state and local licensing requirements. Teaching staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. Our teachers engage in continuous training on the best practices in early childhood education.

Cathy McFarland

Lead VPK Teacher

Ms. Cathy is a VPK Lead Teacher with over 22 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds her National Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and brings a deep passion for helping young learners grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Cathy especially loves watching children’s confidence blossom and seeing the excitement on their faces when they master a new skill. Cathy is passionate about creating a structured, nurturing classroom where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. Her classroom is thoughtfully designed to prepare students for kindergarten through engaging, hands-on learning, clear routines, and positive reinforcement. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Cathy enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She has been part of the WPPP community for two years and values building strong relationships with her students and their families while being part of a supportive, caring team.

Cecilia Osborn

Assistant VPK Teacher

Ms. Cecila has been a valued member of the WPPP family for over four years. She believes children learn best when they feel loved, supported, and free to have fun while learning. In her classroom, imagination is encouraged through hands-on activities, creative art projects, and plenty of laughter. Ms. Cecilia strives to create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel confident, capable, and excited to explore new ideas. Faith and kindness are woven naturally into daily classroom life, helping children grow not only academically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Outside of school, Ms. Cecilia enjoys gardening, praying, and cooking with her family.

Melissa Booth

Lead VPK Teacher

Ms. Melissa is a VPK Teacher with over 32 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds her Child Development Associate (CDA), VPK Certification, and has completed extensive DCF trainings along with numerous professional development workshops. Ms. Melissa loves that young children are eager learners and enjoys seeing them apply new skills and concepts with confidence. Ms. Melissa believes strongly in developmentally appropriate practices and meeting
each child where they are. She creates a hands-on, engaging classroom environment where learning is fun and meaningful through activities such as science experiments, crafts, sensory play, and interactive projects that encourage curiosity and growth. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, including her grandchildren, cooking, and staying active. She has been part of the WPPP community for seven years and values the Christ-centered environment, strong communication, enriching programs, and supportive leadership that make the school such a special place.

Lee Ann Koffinas

Assistant VPK Teacher

Ms. Lee Ann is one of our dedicated VPK Teachers and brings 15 years of experience in early childhood education to the classroom. She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, a CDA, and a VPK Certification, and is passionate about helping children grow both academically and socially. Ms. Lee Ann believes that learning should be fun and that every child is unique. She meets children where they are, adjusting her teaching to support each child’s individual needs. She creates a welcoming classroom where children feel supported as they learn important skills like sharing, listening, and working together. She incorporates kindness and character by treating every child the way she would want her own children and grandchildren treated, following the Golden Rule. Ms. Lee Ann loves reading Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, enjoys bringing music into the classroom through singing, dancing, and piano, and has been part of the WPPP family for two years. She especially values the supportive staff and leadership that make WPPP such a special place.

Marjie Hutchinson

Lead VPK Teacher

Ms. Marjie is a VPK teacher with over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Florida and is VPK certified though DCF. Ms. Marjie loves that no two days in the classroom are ever the same and enjoys watching children experience those exciting “aha” moments when learning truly clicks. Ms. Marjie believes every child is unique and learns at their own pace. She strives to create a warm, welcoming classroom where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, and have fun while learning. Her classroom blends creativity, structure, and a strong sense of belonging so every child feels valued and excited to learn each day. Outside the classroom, Ms. Marjie enjoys spending time with her family, especially during game nights, as well as reading, going to the movies, and relaxing at home. She has been part of the WPPP community since 2016 and loves working alongside her colleagues to build a supportive, faith-filled school family.

Inmaculada Corcho

Assistant VPK Teacher

Ms. Macu has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) from Seminole State College and has completed multiple DCF training certifications. Ms. Macu is passionate about connecting with children through hands-on play, creative art activities, and meaningful interactions at their level. She believes in creating a safe, loving, and judgment-free classroom where children feel accepted, respected, and confident to explore and grow. As a bilingual educator fluent in Spanish and English, Ms. Macu brings patience, understanding, and cultural awareness to her role. She incorporates kindness, faith and character into daily classroom life thought prayer, modeling respectful behavior, and reinforcing positive choices, helping every child feel supported and valued.

We foster independent thinking…

Giving kids freedom, let them try, let them fail, encourage them, let them succeed, and rejoice with them!