New Hartford CSD UPK

New Hartford CSD’s Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program gives our youngest learners a strong and supportive start to their educational journey. Designed for 4-year-olds, UPK offers a nurturing, play-based environment where children develop early literacy, math, and social skills through hands-on exploration and discovery. Our goal is to foster confidence, spark curiosity, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

For information on how to enroll your child, please visit the “Lottery” tab. Additional details about the New Hartford CSD UPK program can be found in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is universal pre-k (UPK)?

Universal PreK (UPK) is a free, state and federally funded program that gives children the chance to attend prekindergarten before starting kindergarten. It helps children build early learning skills, socialize with peers, and get ready for school.

Is UPK free?

Yes! However, New York State UPK does not guarantee that every child will have access. Not all families who register for UPK are guaranteed a spot. There will be a lottery process once registration ends.

Is UPK a full-day program?

Yes, it's a full-day program, five days a week (attendance will be monitored and enforced). We do not offer a half-day program.

Will bus transportation be provided for my child?

Yes, transportation services will be available for pre-kindergarten students; however, 3-year-old students are not permitted to ride the bus. Due to age-related considerations, parents are strongly encouraged to provide transportation for their children. Please note that transportation availability in future years following the initial 2026–27 launch is not guaranteed, as it will depend on New York State approval of transportation aide for Pre-K students.

Select your child's birth year below to see if they are eligible to attend UPK!

My child was born between December 2, 2021, and December 1, 2022.

Your child is eligible for UPK for the 2026–2027 school year!

Important Dates:

Lottery Registration begins: April 22, 2026
Initial lottery deadline: May 20, 2026

Since UPK is grant-funded through New York State, there is a limited number of spots, and enrollment cannot be guaranteed. Due to this, student placement is determined through a random lottery, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Registering during the lottery enrollment window gives your family the best chance of securing a spot at your preferred location.

To register for the lottery, please complete the form located on the Lottery tab above.

My child was born on or after December 2, 2022.

Your child is not yet eligible for UPK.

Please look for more information from New Hartford CSD in early 2027 about UPK registration for the 2027–2028 school year.

My child was born on or before December 1, 2021.

Your child is already eligible for kindergarten or beyond. Contact the Registration Office to learn more about how to register your child for Elementary School.

If I decide I do not want to register my child for UPK because they are not ready, can I enroll them in UPK the following year?

No. According to Section 3602-e of Education Law, a child is eligible for UPK when they are four years of age on or before December 1st of the school year in which they are enrolled or will otherwise be first eligible to enter public school kindergarten the following school year. Therefore, a child would only be eligible for UPK for one year.

If I don’t think my child is ready for kindergarten, can I hold them back in UPK?

No. According to Section 3602-e of Education Law, a child is eligible for UPK when they are four years of age on or before December 1st of the school year in which they are enrolled, or who will otherwise be first eligible to enter public school kindergarten commencing with the following school year. Therefore, a child would only be eligible for UPK for one year.

However, families can choose to send their child to a private prekindergarten program after attending UPK or deliver home instruction. Per Education Law §3205, the compulsory education age in New York State is 6 years of age by December 1st . If a child turns 6 on or after December 1st compulsory education begins the following September. Please note that NYS Education Law §1709(3) authorizes a school board to determine the placement of each student upon their entry (or reentry) to public school.

Will my child be required to be screened before starting UPK?

Yes. Commissioner’s Regulations §117.1 requires that all students in prekindergarten through grade 12 be screened upon entry to the school district to determine which students are possibly gifted or have or are suspected of having a disability and/or have limited English proficiency.

What will my child be learning in UPK?

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) is designed to give four-year-old children a strong foundation before entering Kindergarten. New Hartford's program will focus on age-appropriate learning and development through engaging, hands-on activities. Funded by the New York State Education Department, UPK is offered in collaboration with local school districts to ensure eligible families have access to early childhood education opportunities.

New York State’s play-based curriculum emphasizes that young children learn best through purposeful, hands-on experiences rather than passive instruction. Aligned with early learning standards, it uses structured and unstructured play, such as learning centers, guided activities, and child choice, to support cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. Teachers intentionally guide play by asking questions and introducing concepts, while academic skills like math and literacy are integrated naturally into activities. This approach promotes engagement, independence, and collaboration, focusing on whole-child development and building a strong foundation for future learning. More information can be found here: Resource Guide for School Success (Pre-K)

Is UPK available to three-year-old students?

New Hartford CSD does not offer a 3-year-old program. However, a 3-year-old may be eligible for UPK at New Hartford if they turn 4 by December 1st.

If I have concerns about my child's development. What should I do?

If you’re worried that your preschooler might be struggling with speech, learning, behavior or social skills, you don’t have to wait and see what happens—you can ask for help. In New York State, families can request a special education evaluation through their local school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for children ages 3 to 5.

This evaluation looks at how your child is developing and whether they might benefit from extra support or services—like speech therapy, occupational therapy or special education instruction—to help them grow and learn.

Here’s how to start: Call or email the New Hartford's Director of Special Education. Explain that you’re concerned about your child’s development and would like to request an evaluation. They will walk you through the referral process and send you paperwork in the mail to sign to consent to an evaluation for your child.

Families often request evaluations if their child:

Isn’t talking or communicating as expected for their age
Has trouble with fine motor skills (like holding crayons) or gross motor skills (like running or climbing)
Struggles with learning new skills or paying attention
Has a hard time playing with other children or managing emotions
Has medical or developmental challenges that affect learning

Contact Information for the CSE Office

Phone: (315) 624-1313

Teresa Sloan, Special Education Secretary Email: tsloan@nhart.org

Sean Dwyer, Director of Special Education Email: sdwyer@nhart.org

If your child is younger than 3 and you are concerned about his or her development, contact the Oneida County Early Intervention Program at 315-798-5249.

How do I sign my child up for UPK?

The first step is to enter the lottery. Please fill out the Google Form to register for the lottery. The Google Form is located on the Lottery tab above.

Upon notification of placement at one of the three UPK locations, you will need to fill out the enrollment paperwork. If your enrollment paperwork is not filled out by the due date, your child's UPK spot will be forfeited, and the child at the top of the waitlist will be called.

What are the days and hours oF UPK?

UPK will follow the New Hartford CSD's 2026-2027 school calendar. It's a Monday through Friday program, 8:45 am to 3:00 pm.

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