FAQs for East Islip Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)
What is UPK?
UPK is a free pre-kindergarten experience offered to families free of charge through a state grant from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The only eligibility requirement for UPK in New York State is a child’s residency and age. UPK is not an entitlement in New York State, and not all families have access to UPK. In districts where UPK is available, entry is based on a lottery system and not all families that register are guaranteed a spot.
Is UPK free?
Yes. However, New York State does not guarantee that every child will have access. Not all families that register are guaranteed a spot.
Is UPK participation mandatory?
No. UPK is a voluntary program for both districts and children. Parents and/or caregivers may choose but are not required to enroll their children in a UPK.
Is a full-day program the only option or can I choose a half-day program?
East Islip is not offering a half-day program. The full day program is the only option, due to grant requirements.
Do I need to be a resident of the East Islip School District to register my child for UPK?
Yes. All students must be a resident of the District and the parent/person of parental relation must show proof of residency and complete the required registration forms.
How old does my child need to be?
Prospective students must be four years of age on or before December 1st of the year they enter PreK in order to register for the program and are age eligible for kindergarten the following year. There are no exceptions. A child is NOT eligible to attend UPK a second time if a parent chooses to hold their child back from kindergarten the following year.
My child was not selected in the lottery-now what?
Anyone who was not selected in the lottery will be placed on a waiting list. If for any reason someone who is selected for the lottery does not complete the registration process by the stated deadline, we will notify the next person on the waiting list.
What if I have twins and register both of them: if one is selected, will they both be given spots?
The lottery selection process does not give preference to families with twins, triplets, etc. Each child is entered as an individual student and will be selected at random. The selection of one twin or triplet has no effect on the selection number of any other sibling during the lottery process. If both twins/all triplets are selected, they will be able to attend the same PreK location.
Will there be access to a before and aftercare program?
Yes. There is access to a before and aftercare program at the ECC location. There is a parental fee for childcare through South Shore Children’s Center. South Shore is East Islip School District’s UPK provider.
Should my child be potty trained?
A child will not be rejected if they are not potty trained, but it is strongly recommended.
Will there be naptime?
UPK staff will provide a regularly scheduled relax time or mindful minutes. During this time, students are encouraged to rest and relax. If a child needs to nap, they certainly can.
Will there be lunchtime?
Yes. Lunchtime usually lasts about 30 minutes. Children should bring a packed lunch from home. The UPK provider has emergency food to provide children in the event they come to school without lunch.
Will there be an aide in the UPK classroom?
Yes. There will be an aide in the classroom.