What is the deadline for submitting a UPK application?

Application submission closed at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022.

Is my child eligible for UPK?

Eligible students must be district residents and turn 4 years of age on or before December 1, 2022. Any student turning 5 on or before December 1, 2021 is not eligible for the UPK program, however the district should be contacted for Kindergarten enrollment.

What if more students apply than there are seats available in the program?

Section 3602-e of Education Law requires that all districts have a random selection process in place if there are more children applicants than there are seats available.

How and when will I know if my child was selected for the UPK program?

A lottery drawing will take place on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Additionally, applicants will be emailed as to whether their child was selected for UPK or as to their position on the waiting list. CLICK HERE FOR THE FINAL LOTTERY DRAWING RESULTS

Who is the provider of the UPK program?

The Shoreham-Wading River School district used a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to determine eligible local Pre-K programs. Section 151-1.6 of Commissioner’s Regulations explicitly describes the process for issuing an RFP as well as the criteria to consider for selecting which eligible agency or agencies will receive funds from the district to provide the UPK program. St. Anselm's Academy of Shoreham and SCOPE Education Services were selected through this evaluation process to provide UPK programs to the district; however, St. Anselm's Academy will hold their program off-site at their establishment and SCOPE Education Services will hold their program in-district at Wading River School.

What are the UPK program hours?

The hours of the UPK program at St. Anselm's Academy are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Should a parent/guardian wish to have their child stay beyond these hours, they should reach out to St. Anselm's Academy at 631.744.2560 to inquire about pricing and availability.

The hours of the UPK program at SCOPE Education Services are from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The District is currently looking into options for after care beyond these hours.

Any extension of time at either location will be at the expense of the parent/guardian.

Will I be required to pay anything out of pocket?

The District will cover the entire tuition through federal and state grant funds should your child be selected for the program. Parents will not be required to pay for any portion of the 5-hour day.

Since pre-kindergarten students are not eligible for transportation aid, are parents required to transport them?

Yes. Parents/Guardians are required to transport the students. The district is not required to transport pre-kindergarten students as outlined in Education Law Section 3635(g).

What are the appropriate certifications for UPK teachers?

Commissioner’s Regulations 151-1.3(e) outlines the qualifications for teachers providing instruction in UPK classrooms or in eligible agencies. Teachers must hold a teaching license or certificate valid for service in the early childhood grades pursuant to Part 80 of this Title. All teachers in this program hold these certifications.

Will there be an open-house for parents?

Yes, both providers will hold an open house for parents prior to the commencement of school. These dates will be made available in the near future.

Will there be parent teacher conferences during the school year for my child?

Yes, each of the two vendors will schedule parent-teacher conferences to discuss your child's progress.

What Laws and Regulations are associated with Universal Pre-kindergarten (UPK)?

Education Law 3602-e and Commissioner’s Regulations Subpart 151-1 (8 NYCRR 151-1) oversee all state-administered universal pre-kindergarten programs in New York.

Please contact the Shoreham-Wading River Office of Registration at 631-821-8100 if you have additional questions regarding UPK registration.