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
general upk lottery information
January 3 Begins UPK Lottery Registration For 2012-13 School year
South Colonie families wishing to register their children for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program lottery for the 2012-13 school year may begin submitting applications on January 3 by appointment. Registration in ongoing until 4 p.m., May 16 (no applications will be accepted after that time). The lottery drawing will be held on May 17. Spaces are limited and not every child will qualify for the program. All new students registering for school need to provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and three proofs of address. The Affidavit document must be completed by all those who live in a dwelling they do not lease or own (live with family/friend, for example). No mailed or faxed documents will be accepted. Everyone must register in person at the District Office, 102 Loralee Drive. Documents may be downloaded below. For more information contact District Registrar David Pace at 869-3576, X2454, weekdays, 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
South Colonie Census Form (pdf)
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. Admittance is through a lottery drawing held in May.
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?
The Office of Pupil Services oversees the program. Questions should be directed to the District Registrar at 869-3576.
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 for the UPK lottery by contacting Dave Pace, District Registrar, at the District Office on 102 Loralee Drive. Please call 869-3576 to schedule an appointment. Registration for the UPK lottery drawing for the 2012-2013 school year will be ongoing from Tuesday, January 3, 2012 until Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at the District Office. No applications will be accepted after 4 p.m. on May 16. The lottery drawing will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012.
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). The UPK lottery drawing for the 2012-2013 school year will be held on Thursday, May 17th, at the District Office.
universal pre-kindergarten News Stories
Roessleville Elementary School UPK Classes Complete Gingerbread Unit
Posted on December 22, 2011
The Universal Pre-K classes at Roessleville Elementary School we involved in gingerbread learning unit in December. full story
UPK Lottery Registration Numbers Drawn
Posted on May 23, 2011
South Colonie has conducted it random drawing of lottery spaces for students eligible for the 2011-12 Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. The lottery registration deadline was May 19 and the drawing was held on May 20. Lottery entrants should receive notification letters this week. To view the numbers, click here (pdf). All numbers within the box will have a spot in next year's class. Numbers beginning with 162 forward (across the line to the right) are next in line in case spots open up.
