In Polk County, the statistics are sobering: nearly 43% to 50% of students are starting kindergarten without the necessary language and literacy skills

In Polk County, the statistics are sobering: nearly 43% to 50% of students are starting kindergarten without the necessary language and literacy skills to succeed. Local organizations are aggressively moving to bridge this gap through a mix of summer intensives, year-round support, and volunteer mentorship.

Here is a breakdown of the key programs currently working to change the trajectory for Polk’s youngest learners.

Summer Readiness Camps

For children about to enter the classroom for the first time, summer programs provide a “warm-up” to formal education.

• Camp READY (Learning Resource Center): A specialized summer program designed to build the foundation for kindergarten. It focuses on vocabulary, social-emotional skills, and the “student habits” necessary for a successful transition.
• Camp Early Bird (PCPS): A free summer camp hosted by Polk County Public Schools at various elementary sites (including Lakeland locations like Churchwell and Highlands Grove). It uses play-based learning to cover literacy, math, and social-emotional topics.+1

Year-Round Early Learning Support

These programs focus on the years leading up to kindergarten to ensure children aren’t playing catch-up from day one.

• Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK): Florida offers free VPK for all 4-year-olds. Applications for the Fall 2026 school year are currently live through the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County.
• School Readiness Program: Managed by the Early Learning Coalition, this program provides financial assistance for childcare and early education to low-income working families, serving children from birth through age 12.
• Head Start & Title I Pre-K: PCPS offers these federally funded programs for eligible families, focusing on comprehensive child development, including health and nutrition alongside academics.

Community & Volunteer Initiatives

• ReadingPals (United Way of Central Florida): This initiative pairs volunteer mentors with Pre-K and Kindergarten students for one hour a week. Research shows that students who spend 25+ hours with a ReadingPal are promoted at higher rates and earn better grades in reading.
• Polk Vision Literacy Resource Directory: A comprehensive guide that connects families to local tutoring, literacy support, and community programs throughout the county.