Frequently Asked Questions
The Plainedge Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK) is a free full day program for 102 students, funded by a grant from New York State. Continuation of the program each year is fully dependent on funding from the Federal Government and/or New York State.
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Who is eligible?
Students who will reach the age of 4 by December 1 of the year of enrollment in the program, and who are residents of Plainedge School District, are eligible to apply. -
What is the application process?
Applications are available, beginning on January 9, 2023 on the district website and will end on January 20, 2023. -
What is the selection process?
Selection for this program, which is limited to 102 students due to limited funding, is done by a lottery. Random selection is required by New York State. Only those who submit a completed registration with all required documentation will be placed in the lottery. Once the first 102 names have been selected, each subsequent name pulled is put on a waiting list, in order of their draw from the lottery. Parents are notified by email of the results of the lottery once the names have been selected by a committee. -
Is the program accredited through New York State?
Plainedge UPK Program has a partnership with St. Joseph’s College, which has an accredited pre-kindergarten program. -
Is transportation provided?
Parents are required to provide transportation for their children for the UPK program. -
How many hours a day will the program run?
This is a full-day program that will run 5 days a week from 8AM-2:30PM. It will follow the Plainedge School District calendar.
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How much will this program cost?
There is NO fee for this program. -
Will the program be located at my elementary school?
The UPK program will only run at Eastplain Elementary School. -
How can I apply for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program?
You may apply for the UPK program by completing the UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN (UPK) REGISTRATION online.Please note that submitting the application does not guarantee a place in the program.
❏ You must submit proof of residency and a copy of birth certificate to be eligible for this program.
❏ Selection is done by lottery.
❏ Those selected will be notified by mail. -
When is the deadline for the Universal Pre-K application?
January 20, 2023 -
Is before and/or after school care available for students in the program?
No, since the start and end times will be different from the school hours for K-6.