Universal Pre-Kindergarten

Available in:

Broome

The goal of our Universal Pre-Kindergarten program is to help children at an early age to develop key life skills that will lead them to a successful school path including: language/communication skills; early literacy skills/critical thinking; social/emotional development and motor skills.

What is it?

The New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK) is a state and district-funded program that provides educationally-based, high quality pre-kindergarten to 4-year-old children. The program is FREE to all eligible children and operates 6.5 – 7 hours per day, depending on center. Bussing is available through the district.

This program provides developmentally appropriate activities to help 4-year-olds prepare for Kindergarten. As NYS school standards and expectations become more rigorous, making sure young children enter school with basic skills in place is critical for success. All UPK classes are taught by New York State certified teachers.

Program goals include creating high quality full day pre-kindergarten programs that assist children in developing language and communication skills; promoting early literacy skills and critical thinking; and fostering the requisite social and emotional development and motor skills necessary for school success.

ELIGIBILITY: Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) - UPK is open to children residing in the school district who are 4 years old on or before December 1st of the current school year.

LOCATIONS AND AVAILABLE SPOTS IN BROOME COUNTY:

Union-Endicott School District UPK at the Endicott Center and the Linnaeus W. West Center / Total Slots: 64

Whitney Point School District UPK at the Whitney Point Center / Total Slots: 16

Who is it for?

Children 4 years of age.

How does this benefit you?

Activities for Children:

Enjoy safe and licensed facilities
Be part of a high quality early childhood education program and learn important skills to prepare for entering into Kindergarten
Attain school readiness and early literacy development
Gain exposure to literature, both fiction and non-fiction
Learn math skills, science lessons, and discovery
Develop social skills and self-help skills
Engage in large motor and fine motor activities
Enjoy music, dance, and art
Get developmental and health screenings/assessments
Receive nutritious meals daily

Activities for Parents:

Participate in activities and workshops for parents
Engage in regular opportunities to volunteer for parents
Get the support in the learning journey of raising your child

Additional Benefits

Additionally, the program is designed to assure that the prekindergarten content is aligned with the New York State Common Core Learning Standards and connected to the kindergarten and early elementary curricula.

Contact Information

For information please contact Greater Opportunities at 607-723-6493.