Tiny Caps and Big Dreams: Indian River State College Child Development Center Celebrates 21 VPK Graduates

June 3, 2025 Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, FL (June 3, 2025) - Indian River State College's Child Development Center celebrated 21 four-year-old graduates from the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program during a heartwarming ceremony at the McAlpin Theatre on May 23, 2025.

Child Development Center Celebrates 21 VPK Graduates

Dressed for their big day, the preschoolers performed songs about the seasons, captivating the audience with their charming energy.

These young learners completed 540 hours of the VPK program, demonstrating their readiness for kindergarten and the next chapter of their educational journey. Dressed in their miniature caps and gowns, the graduates smiled brightly as they received their certificates, marking an important milestone in their early academic development.

The ceremony showcased the growth and learning these children have achieved throughout their time in the program. As they prepare to begin kindergarten, these young scholars have built a strong foundation for their continued educational success.

"Watching these bright young minds take their first steps in formal education is truly inspiring," said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. "Our Child Development Center plays a vital role in preparing children for academic success, and seeing these 21 graduates ready to embark on their kindergarten journey reminds us of the important foundation we help build in our community's youngest learners."

The Indian River State College Child Development Center, which reopened on August 24, 2023, following a major renovation funded in part by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott's transformative gift to the College, provides comprehensive early childhood education services for the community while serving as a hands-on learning laboratory for the College’s Early Childhood Education students. The state-of-the-art facility offers three distinct programs: an Infant and Toddler Program for children ages three months to three years, a Preschool Program for toilet-trained 3 and 4-year-olds, and Florida's Volunteer Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program for eligible four-year-olds. Research demonstrates that high-quality early education investments yield significant long-term benefits, with studies showing that every dollar invested in early childhood education can generate $4 to $13 in community returns through improved educational attainment, employment outcomes, health benefits, and reduced truancy and criminal activity.

“It's a very heartwarming moment when parents get to see their little ones walk across the stage,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Chief Academic Officer, "With our state-of-the-art facility and dedicated staff, the Child Development Center provides the ideal environment to nurture each child's confidence, curiosity, and love of learning."

The facility serves students, staff, and community families seeking quality early childhood education. Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Education program is available for eligible students and is offered during morning hours as part of the Center's comprehensive programming.

"Early childhood education is vital for these children and their development," said Samantha Cullinan, M.Ed., Director of the Child Development Center, "Completing the VPK program provides them with essential skills and habits that give them a head start for school readiness and success."

The Center remains open year-round, providing consistent early childhood education and care services to the Treasure Coast community.

For more information about the Indian River State College Child Development Center and enrollment opportunities, visit the website, contact the Child Development Center at 772-462-7645, or email irsccdc@irsc.edu.

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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida's Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 120 programs leading to bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.

Media Contacts: Kathleen Walter, Public Information Officer, kwalter1@irsc.edu

Rodrigo Berlanga Rodriguez, Public Relations Coordinator, rberlanga@irsc.edu