What is Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)?
- The Longwood Central School District, through participation in the New York State Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program Grant, is happy to provide an Universal Pre-Kindergarten program to four year old students in the district. The program is 100% funded by New York State, determining the number of children served by the District. Universal Pre-Kindergarten classes are offered at selected community pre-schools licensed by New York State, providing young students of diverse ability levels to grow and learn in inclusive environments. Please note that the UPK program is contingent upon approval of the New York State UPK Program Grant.
What are the days and hours for UPK?
- The program will be five days a week, 5.5 hours per day (full day).The specific program hours will vary based on the site your child is selected for. The program will follow the Longwood Central School District calendar. We do not offer partial day enrollment.
Who is eligible to register for UPK?
- Any child who resides in the Longwood Central School district and who is four years of age on or before December 1, 2023.
How do I register my child for UPK?
- The New York State Education Department has determined that the district must use a lottery selection basis when there are more eligible children than can be served in a given school year. The lottery will be held in June and students will be selected randomly. To register your child for the lottery, please complete the form located on our district website. The lottery registration deadline is May 26, 2023.
When will I receive notification that my child was accepted into the UPK program?
- The lottery will take place in June. You will be notified in July if your child is selected for the program or if your child is on the waiting list. Upon notification, you will be given directions to move forward with the registration process through the school district.
What happens if my child is not selected for the program?
- A waiting list will be developed for all students not placed. As seats become available, families will be offered the next available placement.
What documents are required for UPK registration?
- Basic information will be collected to register your child for the lottery. If your child is selected for the program, you will need the following documents:
○ Birth certificate
○ Proof of residency
○ Proof of immunizations
Is transportation provided for UPK?
No, transportation is not provided for UPK. Families must provide their own transportation to and from the program site.
Can I select the building my child will attend?
- No, Pre-K will take place at various locations throughout the district based on space and availability.
Where are the UPK sites located?
● During the 2022-2023 school year, Longwood offered the following UPK locations:
○ Brookhaven Country Day - 79 Long Island Ave. Yaphank, NY 11980
○ New Interdisciplinary Schools - 430 Sills Road, Yaphank, NY 11980
○ New Interdisciplinary Schools at Charles E. Walters School
○ JUST KIDS - 35 Longwood Road Middle Island, NY 11953
○ JUST KIDS - West Middle Island Elementary
○ JUST KIDS - Coram Elementary
Are meals provided in UPK?
- No families must provide their own meals and snacks.
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 child(ren) in a UPK program. However, upon enrollment, the school district’s attendance policy must be applied.
Please keep in mind that the UPK program is contingent upon approval of the New York State UPK Program Grant.
If you need additional information, please call the office of the Curriculum for Literacy and Intervention Services at
(631) 578-1501 or email us at LongwoodUPK@longwoodcsd.org.
