ARTICLE
In a time when young children across the country are still grappling with the lasting effects of pandemic-era learning loss, Fuller Center is proud to announce that 100% of its 2025 Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) graduates have achieved kindergarten readiness. All 93 Fuller Center students scored at or above average benchmarks, far surpassing both state and national averages. This milestone comes amid a growing education crisis. According to a new report from the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Early Learning Project, only 50% of Palm Beach County students are ready for kindergarten and 51% are ready statewide. Fuller Center was able to double the statewide trend by focusing on extra support for early learners and providing more resources to teachers and VPK classrooms. According to the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning, only 64% of children who completed a VPK program in 2023–2024 were deemed ready for kindergarten. Across the nation, kindergarten readiness rates are often even lower, with early literacy skills still struggling to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. “We are facing what I call a ‘quiet crisis,’” said Eric Roby, CEO of the Fuller Center. “The pandemic disrupted foundational learning years for millions of children, and the consequences won’t fully reveal themselves until years down the line—when these children reach high school, college, or the workforce. At Fuller Center, we’re not waiting to see the effects. We’re addressing these challenges now so the children we serve can meet reading standards soon and avoid life-long financial hardships later.” The Florida Chamber of Commerce is focused on kindergarten readiness as it tracks Florida’s future workforce needs. It currently tracks how many Florida 3- and 4-year-olds are enrolled in programs like Fuller Center’s. This year, only 59% of 4-year-olds graduated from a VPK program. ”Enrolling children in high-quality early learning programs at or before 5 lays the foundation for future success, developing essential skills in early literacy, math, and other areas key for kindergarten readiness”, said Makayla Buchanan, Director of Early Learning and Literacy Florida Chamber Foundation. “This isn’t just about passing a readiness test,” Roby added. “It’s about making sure our children are equipped with the literacy tools they’ll need to thrive academically and economically in the future.” Fuller Center’s early education model addresses the whole child by pairing academics with social-emotional learning and robust family support. With this holistic, cradle-to-career approach, Fuller Center is not just preparing children for school—but for life. About the Fuller Center For more than 50 years, the Fuller Center has embraced, educated, and empowered hardworking, under-resourced families across South Florida. Serving over 1,100 children annually — from infants through teens — and reaching more than 700 families across 40+ zip codes in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, the Fuller Center provides affordable, high-quality early education, out-of-school programs, private elementary education, teen leadership development, and family support services. Each year, the organization delivers more than 430,000 meals and snacks to ensure children’s health and wellbeing at three campuses. Facebook: @fullercenterfl Instagram: @fullercenterfl LinkedIn: @fullercenterfl
In a time when young children across the country are still grappling with the lasting effects of pandemic-era learning loss, Fuller Center is proud to announce that 100% of its 2025 Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) graduates have achieved kindergarten readiness. All 93 Fuller Center students scored at or above average benchmarks, far surpassing both state and national averages.
This milestone comes amid a growing education crisis. According to a new report from the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Early Learning Project, only 50% of Palm Beach County students are ready for kindergarten and 51% are ready statewide. Fuller Center was able to double the statewide trend by focusing on extra support for early learners and providing more resources to teachers and VPK classrooms.
According to the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning, only 64% of children who completed a VPK program in 2023–2024 were deemed ready for kindergarten. Across the nation, kindergarten readiness rates are often even lower, with early literacy skills still struggling to rebound to pre-pandemic levels.
“We are facing what I call a ‘quiet crisis,’” said Eric Roby, CEO of the Fuller Center. “The pandemic disrupted foundational learning years for millions of children, and the consequences won’t fully reveal themselves until years down the line—when these children reach high school, college, or the workforce. At Fuller Center, we’re not waiting to see the effects. We’re addressing these challenges now so the children we serve can meet reading standards soon and avoid life-long financial hardships later.”
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is focused on kindergarten readiness as it tracks Florida’s future workforce needs. It currently tracks how many Florida 3- and 4-year-olds are enrolled in programs like Fuller Center’s. This year, only 59% of 4-year-olds graduated from a VPK program.
”Enrolling children in high-quality early learning programs at or before 5 lays the foundation for future success, developing essential skills in early literacy, math, and other areas key for kindergarten readiness”, said Makayla Buchanan, Director of Early Learning and Literacy Florida Chamber Foundation.
“This isn’t just about passing a readiness test,” Roby added. “It’s about making sure our children are equipped with the literacy tools they’ll need to thrive academically and economically in the future.”
Fuller Center’s early education model addresses the whole child by pairing academics with social-emotional learning and robust family support. With this holistic, cradle-to-career approach, Fuller Center is not just preparing children for school—but for life.
About the Fuller Center For more than 50 years, the Fuller Center has embraced, educated, and empowered hardworking, under-resourced families across South Florida. Serving over 1,100 children annually — from infants through teens — and reaching more than 700 families across 40+ zip codes in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, the Fuller Center provides affordable, high-quality early education, out-of-school programs, private elementary education, teen leadership development, and family support services. Each year, the organization delivers more than 430,000 meals and snacks to ensure children’s health and wellbeing at three campuses.
Facebook: @fullercenterfl Instagram: @fullercenterfl
LinkedIn: @fullercenterfl