Guilderland CSD to offer Universal Pre-K program in partnership with four local community partners
The Guilderland Central School District is offering Universal Pre-K (UPK) for the 2024-25 school year as part of funding from New York State. UPK is a free program open to Guilderland families with children who will be four years old by December 1, 2024 (children who have birth dates between December 2, 2019 and December 1, 2020).
Limited spots are available for the UPK program. All Guilderland families, even those currently enrolled in one of our approved programs, must apply during the registration period and participate in the lottery to secure a NYS-funded space. Current enrollment with one of our community partners does not guarantee a NYS-funded UPK spot; if awarded a spot, it may not be with the current childcare provider.
How to apply for the UPK program
To apply, the following paperwork must be submitted:
- Registration application; one application must be completed for each child. (NOTE: application links will be live during the registration period noted below.)
- A copy of a residential lease/deed/mortgage statement with a current utility bill.
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate (used to verify your child is age-eligible for the program).
- Completed registration forms and the required supporting documents can be submitted by email to ricez@guilderlandschools.net or by fax to 518-456-1152. Please mark faxes as “Attention Registrar.” You may also submit registration at the GCSD District Office, 8 School Road, Guilderland Center. The District Office is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- All applications must be submitted between March 1, 2024 and March 26, 2024. Please submit a new application and supporting documents even if you have sent in registration materials prior to March 1, 2024, as our application document and requirements have changed.
If selected for the UPK program
Families selected through the lottery system will be notified by May 3, 2024. If notified of selection, families will have until May 15, 2024 to accept their UPK spot by emailing upk@guilderlandschools.net.
All questions about the UPK Program should be sent via email to upk@guilderlandschools.net; please do not contact the partner schools directly.
More information about the UPK program
School Information and Locations
All Saints Catholic Academy
10 Rosemont Street
Albany, NY 12203
Christ the King
Early Childhood Center
20 Sumter Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
Lynnwood Reformed Church Preschool (YMCA)
3714 Carman Road
Schenectady, NY 12303
St. Madeleine Sophie School
3510 Carman Road
Schenectady, NY 12303
518-355-3080
Program Hours
The UPK program hours covered by GCSD are 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
School Instruction
The UPK program is open to families of all faith denominations. Religious instruction, if applicable, will take place after the 8 a.m.-1 p.m. program hours funded by GCSD.
Wraparound Care and Aftercare
Wraparound care and aftercare are available to families before and after 8 a.m.-1 p.m., the UPK program hours covered by GCSD. Enrolled families interested in wraparound care and/or aftercare will be financially responsible for these extra services. The cost of these services will be determined by the school where the child is enrolled. Enrollment and payment arrangements can be made directly with that school.
Transportation
Transportation is not available. Families are responsible for transportation to and from the UPK program.
Future UPK Funding
Please note that this funding is on a year-to-year basis; as long as New York state continues to fund this UPK program, Guilderland will continue to provide a UPK opportunity for students and families of four-year-olds, commensurate with the amount of state funding.
Request for Proposals
Guilderland Central School District is seeking additional community partners for our 2024-2025 full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program. Our UPK Program is supported through our annual UPK allocation from the New York State Education Department. We are currently looking for eligible Community Based Organizations (CBOs) willing to work cooperatively with us to offer additional UPK seats for our families with 4-year-old children.
If you are interested in partnering with us, please see the enclosed Request for Proposals. Please note the deadline for returning proposals is Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Additional information regarding state-administered UPK programs can be found on the New York State Department of Education’s Early Learning Website (https://www.nysed.gov/early-learning/state-administered-prekindergarten-programs).
Please contact Rachel Anderson (andersonr@guilderlandschools.net) or Rachel teRiele (terieler@guilderlandschools.net) in the Office of Curriculum and Instruction with questions specific to the Request for Proposal process.
Sincerely,
Rachel S Anderson
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction