The
South Colonie Central School
District operates a New York State grant funded Universal
Pre-Kindergarten program.
Link to Our Preschool Parent Newsletter Series: Sowing the Seeds of Learning
What is the Universal Pre-K Program?
The New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK) is a state and district-funded program that provides educationally-based, high-quality pre-kindergarten to four-year-old children. The program is free to all eligible children. UPK provides developmentally appropriate activities to help 4-year olds prepare for Kindergarten. As our state’s school standards and expectations become more rigorous, making sure young children enter school with basic skills in place is critical for success. All UPK classes are taught by New York State certified teachers.
What activities are involved in the UPK Program?
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Reading readiness and early literacy development
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Exposure to literature, both fiction and non-fiction
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Math skills
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Science lessons and discovery
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Social skills
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Self-help skills
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Large motor activities
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Fine motor activities
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Music, Dance, Library and Art
Who is eligible for UPK?
UPK is open to children residing in the school district who are four years old on or before December 1st of the current school year. Income eligibility is not a factor, and all families are encouraged to apply. At this time, 188 children from the South Colonie Central School District may be enrolled in the program.
Where are the classes located and what are the hours of operation?
UPK follows the South Colonie school calendar and runs Monday through Friday. The program is 2 ½ hours long. The morning session runs from 9:15 – 11:45 a.m., and the afternoon session runs from 12:45 – 3:15 p.m. Presently, the program is located at two schools: Saddlewood Elementary School and Roessleville Elementary School.
Who oversees the UPK Program?
Hal Sauter, Supervisor for UPK, oversees the program. Questions should be directed to Hal Sauter or Nancy Fahd, UPK Secretary at 869-6759. The offices are located in the Pupil Services Office at Forest Park Elementary School.
Is transportation provided for my child?
Yes and no: Busing is provided for all children accepted into the program who are 4 years old at the beginning of the school year (by September). Children who are not 4 years old at the start of the school year (but who will turn 4 year old by December 1st of that school year) may still participate in the program if selected, but must be transported by their parents until December 1st, at which time the district can begin providing transportation for these children. (Transportation laws require special accommodations for children under 4 years old).
How do I register for my child for UPK?
You can register your child by contacting Dave Pace, District Registrar, at the District Office on 102 Loralee Drive. Please call 869-3576 to schedule an appointment.
If I call right away, will I be guaranteed a spot for my child?
No. The District does not have a first-come, first-served registration list. Student placement will be determined through the use of a lottery system in late May. Please keep in mind that while the District would like to accommodate all requests, it is possible that not all children who register will get into the program. This is based upon the overall numbers compared to actual slots that are available.
How will I be notified that my child was selected for the program?
The District will mail acceptance letters to all families who are selected for the program. At that point, you will receive an application and important documentation that will need to be returned to the Office of Pupil Services, 100 Forest Drive, Colonie (located on the side of Forest Park Elementary School).
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