Polk County Public Schools Voluntary Pre-K Expansion

Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) and the YMCA of West Central Florida are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at increasing access to high-quality Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs for families across Polk County. This collaboration will provide children with critical early learning opportunities, setting them up for success in kindergarten and beyond. 

The new YMCA Early Learning Center will be located on the property of McLaughlin Academy of Excellence in Lake Wales, making it a convenient and accessible option for families in the area. 

Dr. Melody Rider, President of ConnectED Polk, played a key role in bringing these two entities together to address the growing need for accessible early childhood education in the community. “This partnership is a shining example of what can be accomplished when education and community organizations unite for a common goal: ensuring every child has access to the tools they need to thrive,” said Dr. Rider. 

The partnership will leverage the strengths of both organizations—PCPS’s commitment to academic excellence and the YMCA’s dedication to community enrichment—to create more robust and inclusive VPK offerings throughout the county. 

“We were highly impressed with the YMCA’s vision and detailed plans for providing exceptional learning experiences for young children in the Lake Wales community,” said Fred Heid, PCPS superintendent. “High-quality prekindergarten programs provide many resources to better prepare children for lifelong learning and academic success. Students also receive important opportunities for socialization and learn proper behaviors like how to share, follow directions and be considerate of others. We are excited about the positive impact the YMCA Early Learning Center will have on the students and families we serve.” 

The YMCA of West Central Florida is committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and this partnership with PCPS is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations align around shared values. Our return to Lake Wales is more than a programmatic expansion—it reflects our deep commitment to this community and its children and families. We are proud to invest in early learning, educational access, and a whole-child approach that fosters school readiness and lifelong success. 

“We are excited and grateful to collaborate with Polk County Public Schools on this initiative,” said Chantelle Hrubes, Chief Strategic Officer of the YMCA of West Central Florida. “Thanks to the unwavering support of our board, we believe that investing in early childhood lays the groundwork for future graduates, future leaders, and a stronger Polk County.” 

This initiative not only benefits families by providing high-quality early learning programs but also strengthens the community by investing in its youngest members. Together, PCPS and the YMCA are paving the way for a brighter future for Polk County’s children. 

About PCPS 

Polk County Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the nation, serving approximately 117,000 students. The school district is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students. Learn more about the school district’s academic programs and learning opportunities by visiting polkschoolsfl.com. 

About YMCA of West Central Florida 

The YMCA of West Central Florida works tirelessly to strengthen communities by offering programs that promote health, education, and personal growth for individuals of all ages.