Final answer:
The statement is false; Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program started in 2005, not 1987, and was designed for four-year-olds, not two- or three-year-olds. Studies on pre-K education's long-term benefits are mixed, but quality programs have been associated with improved outcomes throughout school and adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program was established in 2005, not 1987. The program provides free pre-K education to four-year-old children, but not to two- or three-year-old children. It is aimed at preparing each child for kindergarten and building the foundation for their educational success.
The value of pre-K education has been debated. A study by Vanderbilt University on Tennessee's pre-K program for low-income preschoolers showed initial benefits that faded by third grade.
However, the overall consensus is that quality pre-K programs can lead to better academic and life outcomes, prompting many states to fund public pre-K education for students who cannot afford private programs.