What is Universal Prekindergarten (UPK)?
In New York State, UPK is a State and federally-funded prekindergarten program offered to families free of charge. The only eligibility requirement for UPK in New York State is a child's residency and age. UPK entry is based on a lottery system and not all registered families are guaranteed a spot.
Is the UPK program free?
Yes.
What is taught in the UPK program?
All UPK providers contracted by the district must align with the New York State PreKindergarten Early Learning Standards to provide students with a developmentally appropriate program that supports and develops students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.
Is transportation available?
No. Families must provide transportation for their children. Students are expected to be dropped off and picked up at the appointed starting and ending time.
Is lunch provided in the full-day program?
Students can participate in the lunch program daily. Students may purchase lunch or receive free lunch, if eligible. Students may also bring lunch to school with them each day.
Are there class size limits for UPK?
The maximum UPK class size is 18 students. At the minimum, a class of 18 requires one teacher and one teacher’s aide.
How long is the program?
The one section of UPK will operate Monday through Friday, for 180 days (as per the district calendar). It is a full-day instructional program. Specific hours will be determined.
If I submit my interest application right away, does that improve my child’s chances of being selected?
No. All completed, eligible applications will be included in the lottery selection process.
How will I know if my child has been chosen?
The lottery selection will take place this year at the end of May to determine which students will start the program in September. The district will email ALL applicants as soon as possible after the lottery selection to notify students if they were selected or placed on the waiting list. You will be notified via email and asked to confirm receipt of the email notification. If we do not receive confirmation from you that you received the email, we will then attempt to reach you by phone and finally, if necessary, by a letter mailed to your home address.
How does the waiting list work?
If for any reason, a child drops out of the UPK program, the next family on the waiting list will be offered the vacant spot. If the family declines the vacancy for any reason, they will be removed from the waiting list and no longer eligible to participate in the UPK program.