MCSD Universal Pre-Kindergarten

The district offers a full-day UPK Program through local collaborating agencies (UPK Providers). UPK Providers are chosen based upon review of their proposals. The proposals are measured by the competitive process set forth by the Commissioners’ regulations 151-1.1 – 1.7. 

In order to be eligible for the UPK program, a child must reside within the MCSD and be four years old on or before December 1, 2026.

The 2026-2027 providers will be Stepping Stones, Stepping Stones II, Pattycake Playhouse and Little Friends Preschool. This program will run Monday through Friday from September 2026 - June 2027. Families will need to provide lunch and transportation daily. 

Due to the limited number of available Universal Pre-Kindergarten seats, the District will conduct a random lottery to select students for the program. Students will be assigned based on the number of seats available at each location. The lottery will be held in late March 2026.

Parents interested in having their child considered for UPK must complete the MCSD Pre-Kindergarten Application Google From below, as well as fill out and submit a registration packet with proper documentation.

Marlboro Central School District UPK Application

Marlboro Central School District UPK Registration Packet

The registration packet will need to be completed and submitted to the Curriculum & Instruction Office by Tuesday, February 27, 2026 in order to be eligible for the lottery.  Completed registration packets can be returned to the Curriculum & Instruction Office via email at jennifer.miller@marlboroschools.org or can be mailed to or dropped off at the MCSD Curriculum & Instruction Office, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton, NY 12547.  Any mailed registration packets must be postmarked by February 27, 2026.  

The Marlboro Central School District Prekindergarten Program offers 4-year-old children the opportunity to access an educational environment that is learner-centered and promotes the use of early literacy and emergent reading instruction based on effective, evidence-based practices. In alignment with New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards, the program curricula promote balanced support between the development of early childhood social, emotional, motor and cognitive skills.

• Promote literacy through the use of evidence-based practices

• Promote positive emotional, social, and cognitive skills through collaboration between school and parents

• Provide learner-centered activities to promote children’s growth and development

• Provide a balance between teacher-initiated and child-initiated learning activities in order to encourage student self-confidence and independence

• Provide a balance of individual and small group activities for the children

• Provide activities that support parent participation in their child’s educational plan

• Design an assessment process that determines the developmental baseline and progress of all children

• Provide a nutritional snack to all of the children every day

• Provide support services to children and their families that are necessary to support the child’s transition and participation in the Prekindergarten Program

• Promote differentiated instruction to meet the learning styles of the children

• Maximize the integration of preschool children with disabilities

• Provide equal program access to participating children with limited English proficiency

Kindergarten Transition Tips for Families