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.

  1. 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.

  2. What is the application process?
    Applications are available, beginning on January 9, 2023 on the district website and will end on January 20, 2023.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Is transportation provided?
    Parents are required to provide transportation for their children for the UPK program.

  6. 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.

  1. How much will this program cost?
    There is NO fee for this program.

  2. Will the program be located at my elementary school?
    The UPK program will only run at Eastplain Elementary School.

  3. 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.

  4. When is the deadline for the Universal Pre-K application?
    January 20, 2023

  5. 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.