VPK-SIS Program
Our KOALFIEDTM VPK-SIS services are conducted in either individual or small group settings by certified or licensed professionals proficient in delivering specialized instruction. Students enrolled in VPK-SIS have access to a range of services outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Including:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
- Speech language pathology (SPEECH)
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Listening and spoken language instruction (LP)
- Other specialized instructional services aligned with the child’s IEP
What is VPK-SIS?
VPK-SIS (Voluntary Prekindergarten Specialized Instructional Services) is an exceptional option catering to parents of 4-year-old children with special needs, providing an alternative to the traditional VPK classroom setting. If your child possesses an individual educational plan (IEP) issued by Miami-Dade or Broward County Public Schools, specifying the requirement for specialized instructional services, VPK-SIS offers a tailored solution that deviates from the standard VPK school-year or summer programs.
Parents have the flexibility to select one or multiple services from Florida Department of Education (FDOE) approved providers. Funding for each student is equivalent to traditional VPK, based on the service rates set by specialists. However, this may result in VPK-SIS students receiving fewer service hours compared to those in traditional VPK.
VPK Assessments
We conduct comprehensive developmental assessments for all children enrolled in our VPK-SIS program. These assessments evaluate key areas like communication, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development. The assessments help us identify each child’s strengths and challenges in accordance with the Florida VPK standards.
Some of the standardized assessment tools we use include the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Assessment Evaluation and Programming System (AEPS), and Learning Accomplishment Profile – Diagnostic (LAP-D). The assessments are administered at the beginning and end of the VPK year to measure progress and determine eligibility for ongoing services.
Pre-K Special Instruction Services
Pre-K special instruction services are an integral part of our VPK-SIS program. We tailor our approach to meet the specific needs outlined in each child’s IEP, providing targeted interventions to promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
Pre-K Screening and Developmental Assessment
Our VPK-SIS program includes comprehensive pre-K screening and developmental assessments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. These assessments help identify potential areas of concern and inform the development of personalized intervention plans.
Developmental Screening for Preschoolers
We offer regular developmental screenings for preschool-aged children in Miami-Dade and Broward. The screenings are designed to identify potential developmental or behavioral concerns in critical areas. Parents complete an ASQ-3 questionnaire while their child participates in observation-based activities and interactions.
The screening results help determine if a child needs further evaluation or qualifies for services like the VPK-SIS program. Early identification and intervention can make a big difference in a child’s learning and developmental trajectory.
Preschool Special Instruction Services
Our VPK-SIS program provides specially designed instruction and therapies to preschoolers with disabilities. Through individualized education plans (IEPs), we address each child’s unique needs in a supportive learning environment. Service modalities may include applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
The main goal is to help children acquire academic and functional skills, improve communication abilities, and develop social-emotional competencies before they enter kindergarten. We closely follow the child’s IEP to chart their progress and adjustment of goals throughout the year.
KOALFIEDTM VPK-SIS Program
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has approved Koala ABA & Learning Centers as a VPK-SIS provider to offer several services
Centers as a VPK-SIS provider to
offer several services
Who is Eligible for Our VPK-SIS Program?
Children must meet three fundamental eligibility requirements to qualify for VPK-SIS:
1. Florida Residency
Your child must be a resident of Florida.
2. Age Requirement
Your child must have turned four years old on or before September 1 of the current year.
3. Current IEP from Miami Dade or Broward County Public Schools
To be eligible for VPK-SIS, your child must possess an up-to-date IEP issued by Miami Dade or Broward County Public Schools.
About Our VPK-SIS Providers
- Individuals certified or licensed for applied behavior analysis services (ABA)
- Licensed speech-language pathologists (Speech)
- Licensed occupational therapists (OT)
- Licensed physical therapists (PT)
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
- Licensed psychologists (LMHC)
- Other licensed professionals who have successfully applied to and received approval from FDOE
VPK Programs in Miami-Dade
For over 10 years, we have been providing VPK-SIS services to preschoolers in Miami-Dade County. We have two learning centers located in downtown Miami and Kendall. This allows families in Miami, Doral, Pinecrest and surrounding areas easy access to our program.
Our individualized curriculum and specialized instruction help children meet the VPK requirements set by Miami-Dade County. Through IEPs and annual developmental assessments using tools like LAP-D, we track each child’s progress towards kindergarten readiness.
VPK Programs in Broward County
In Broward County, we operate a VPK-SIS program out of our learning center in Fort Lauderdale. This location is close to neighborhoods like Plantation, Davie, Coral Springs and Weston.
Similar to our Miami-Dade program, children in Broward County receive individualized instruction, therapies and assessments catered to their unique needs. Our dedicated ABA therapists and teachers ensure all Broward preschoolers attain the developmental milestones outlined in the state’s VPK standards.
With over 15 years in South Florida, families in Miami-Dade and Broward trust us to provide a high-quality pre-k education and lay the foundation for their child’s future schooling.