General:

1- Is the UPK program free?

Yes, those students selected to participate are paid for through the NYS UPK grant. The grant provides funding for pre-k education for 2 ½ hours a day. Other items may be offered throughout the year by the providers (class photos, yearbooks, t-shirts, etc.) for an additional cost. The purchase of these items is optional.

2- Is the UPK program offered each year? When would we know if it will be offered again, and for how many students?

The UPK program is offered as long as the UPK grant is awarded to the district. This award is contingent upon the grant's inclusion in the state budget. Usually the state budget is adopted in April. Once the budget is adopted, the State Education Department allocates the funds in May.

3- What days are the children off from school?

The program follows the Levittown School District calendar.

4- How long is the program?

It is a half-day program - 2 ½ hours per day, five days a week.

5- Is the program run by the Levittown School District?

The program is administered by the Levittown School District; however the program is provided by community based pre-schools. For 2009-2010, our UPK program is offered at Kiddie Junction and Tender Garden preschools. This is subject to change each year.

6- Who is eligible?

District children who turn 4 years of age by December 1, 2010 are eligible for the program.

7- Can all district 4 year olds attend?

No. New York State has allocated enough funds for 135 children to attend this program for the 2009-2010 school year. Depending on the grant issued for 2010-2011, this could increase or decrease.

Each year we receive over 200 requests for the program. The grant regulations stipulate that a random method be used to select participants. Therefore a lottery will be held in May LMEC, date and time TBA. Those names selected after the initial spots are filled will be placed on a waiting list. If any vacancies occur during the year, they will be filled from the waiting list until it is exhausted.

8. How will I find out if my child is selected to participate?

Parents can attend the lottery drawing held in May in the Large Board Room at LMEC. All those who are selected will receive a letter in the mail, containing the required registration documentation. Parents can also call the Department of Pupil Services starting the day after the drawing to find out the results of the lottery.

If my child is selected:

9- What must I do if my child is selected to participate in the UPK program?

If your child is selected for the program, you will receive a registration packet in the mail and a registration appointment. It is the same registration process that is used for all new students to the district.

10- Can we choose the location we want our child to go to?

You can indicate at registration which location you would like your child to go to, and we will make every attempt to accommodate your request. However, we cannot guarantee placement in a particular program.

11- Can I visit the location prior to selection or the start of school?

You can contact the providers directly to arrange a site visit. The providers will also contact you by mail once they receive the names of the students who are registered for their program. Providers also may schedule an orientation meeting for UPK parents.

12- My child was selected for the program, but I want to send him/her to another program 2 days a week. Can I send my child to the UPK program 3 days a week instead of 5?

No. Partial participation is prohibited.

13- Can a parent pay for an eligible child to attend additional hours in the program?

Any additional hours would be arranged directly with the program provider.

14- Is the UPK program the same as the private school program offered at the individual agency?

No. Both Tender Garden and Kiddie Junction run programs for tuition paid students. These programs are separate from the UPK program. The UPK program has to follow the specifications laid out in the NYS UPK grant regulations. This includes following the Levittown UPK curriculum, calendar and policies of the district.

15- If my child is going to be absent/be picked up early, who do I call?

The program provider (Tender Garden or Kiddie Junction)

16- What if there is a custody situation regarding my child?

You must provide court documentation at time of registration and copies will be forwarded to the program provider. In addition, you must notify the provider. We recommend that you follow up with the provider to be sure that all the proper safeguards are in place.

17- What if my child has a severe allergy or other serious medical condition?

A Health form must be filled out upon registration. Any serious medical condition must also be reported directly to the program provider.

18- What kind of curriculum is taught in the program?

All providers that are contracted by the Levittown School District must follow the Levittown UPK curriculum. The UPK curriculum was designed by Kindergarten teachers from the Levittown School District and is based on the NYS Early Education Guidelines.

19- Does every provider have to run identical programs?

No. Specific teachers, lessons and special events will vary by location; however any provider that the Levittown Board of Education chooses to use must adhere to the curriculum adopted by the Levittown School District.

20- Is transportation available?

No, transportation is not provided.

21- What if I have a problem with the provider?

All issues regarding the program must first be handled directly through the provider. If a satisfactory resolution is not obtained, please contact the Department of Pupil Services at 520-8300 x534

22- Will the UPK program be offered next year?

The program is entirely contingent upon the New York State grant. This year the grant was only offered to districts that applied in the past. New district applicants were denied. The goal of this program is to eventually offer prekindergarten services to all New York State 4 year olds.

23- Where can I find out additional information about Universal Prekindergarten?

You can go to the NYS Department of Education's website on Statewide Prekindergarten Programs athttp://www.emsc.nysed.gov/upk/