Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program Information
What is UPK and How Does the Program Work in the Greenburgh CSD:
In New York State, UPK is a State and federally funded pre-kindergarten program offered to families free of charge. The only eligibility requirement for UPK in NY State is a child's residency and age. However, the availability of UPK programs varies by district and is based on the space and faculty available in each district.
If a district does not have the necessary resources to meet the needs of all UPK applicants, it may partner with Community-Based Organizations (CBO) to help meet the demand. State and federal funds can be used to fund the instructional cost to families who have their children attend UPK at a CBO. According to the NY State Education Department, while UPK programs throughout the State may look different, all must offer a developmentally appropriate program that aligns with the New York State Pre-kindergarten Learning Standards. Please see the NYSED Questions and Answer document for more information found here.
Application Process:
How and when can I apply? You can apply by submitting an application. Families who apply by the deadline will automatically be included in the lottery and then contacted with the results of the lottery.
- How does the lottery work? Eligible families who apply within the stated timeframe will be included in the lottery. Each application is assigned a number with no preference given to the order applications were received. Numbers are then randomly selected.
There are limited seats allocated for the 2025–2026 school year that include CBOs. There are 62 spots available in the GCSD Early Childhood Program offered in our school buildings and spots allocated to our CBO partners. If more than 62 applications are received, which is the situation this year, those not chosen in the random lottery drawing will be placed in order on a waiting list. Families on the waiting list will be offered, in order, the option of having their child(ren) attend a UPK program at one of our Community-Based Organization partners. This will continue until all seats are filled. Please note that the cost of CBO UPK programs is offset through educational grants received by the District, but the CBO may charge additional fees for non-instructional services.
There is a final step for families of selected students for both the district school building and a CBO. Registration forms must be completed at the Greenburgh CCSD Registration Office. If a family declines the offer or does not register by July 15, the next student on the waiting list will be given the opportunity to attend the program.
- When does the lottery occur? The lottery will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Details will be shared in a letter to all applicants. Families with twins, triplets, or multiples will receive one number. If that number is selected, all siblings will be placed together if seats are available.
- Who is eligible for the 2025–2026 UPK program? Children who will turn four on or before December 1, 2025, and are first eligible for kindergarten in September 2026, can apply. Children must be residents of GCSD, and provide required immunization records and an updated physical exam. Children turning five on or before December 1, 2025, are not eligible for UPK and should apply for kindergarten instead.
You can use this School Age Calculator to check eligibility.
Registration:
- How do I register if selected? Families selected through the lottery will be notified and must complete registration at the Central Registration Office followed by intake with the Early Childhood Program (parents are contacted to schedule appointments). Registration and Intake must be completed by July 15, 2025.
Program Location:
- Where will UPK be held?
The program will be offered at various school buildings in the GCSD, with possible additional seats through CBO partners. Below is a list of anticipated UPK locations for the 2025–2026 school year:
District Locations:
Confirmed:
Early Childhood Program
Locations: ECP Main Building, Lee F. Jackson Elementary School, Highview Elementary School
Community Based Program Locations:
Confirmed:
Loiz Bronz Children’s Center (Union Child)
Location: 30 Manhattan Avenue, White Plains, NY 10607
Phone: 914-761-6134
Waiting List:
- When will I be notified if my child is selected from the waiting list?
Notifications will be sent on a rolling basis as spots become available.