Miami Beach Opens Applications for Prekindergarten Pilot Program

(Miami Beach, FL) Dec 10, 2020 -

Top experts in the field of education generally agree that children who attend an effective prekindergarten program tend to have better language and number skills than children who don’t have the same opportunity to attend such a program. Recognizing the potential advantage for families, the City of Miami Beach is launching a pilot program to cover a portion of prekindergarten expenses for up to 92 families for the 2021-22 school year.

“We are expanding access to high quality prekindergarten programs by ensuring children have an opportunity to transition to the next phase of their education,” Mayor Dan Gelber shared.

The city will provide a stipend, in the amount of up to $2,700 for the upcoming school year, to cover up to an additional 450 instructional hours representing up to 2.5 hours per day for 180 days, payable on a reimbursable basis. Program instructional hours may only be applied toward programming occurring during the regular school hours.

To participate in the program, at least one parent or guardian must be a resident of Miami Beach at the time of application and throughout the 2021-2022 school year. The program is open to children who turn 4 by Sept. 1, 2021 or who are born between Feb. 2, 2016 and Sept. 1, 2017. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 4, 2021 with a lottery being held on Jan. 5, 2021.

“Miami Beach is deeply committed to ensuring our families have access to quality early childhood learning — there is no better investment,” Commissioner Ricky Arriola added. “We continue to strive to make Miami Beach a great place to live, work, play and raise a family.”

For additional details on the program, upcoming information sessions taking place in English and Spanish this month and/or to apply, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/PreK.