UPK Frequently Asked Questions
What is Universal Prekindergarten (UPK)?
UPK is a free preschool experience made possible through grants from
the New York State Education Department (NYSED). As long as the
funding remains available and as long as the district has the human
resources to coordinate the program, the district can offer the
program .
Is the UPK program free? Yes.
Is the program run by the Chester Union Free School District?
Yes. The program is run by the Chester Union Free School District at
Chester Elementary School.
How long is the program?
The program is an all-day program that follows the Chester Union Free
School District’s 180 day calendar. The program will take place Monday
through Friday, 8:30am-3:15pm, following the Chester Elementary School
schedule.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes, however, parents may drop off and pick up their students if they choose
to do so.
Can all district 4-year-olds attend?
No. We currently have 20 spots open for the program. Given there may
be more applicants than the number of available spots a lottery will be
used to determine who will participate. All students who are not
selected during the lottery will be placed on a waiting list. If any
vacancies occur during the year, they will be filled until the waiting list
has been exhausted. Only signed and completed applications received
by the application deadline will be entered into the lottery.
How will I know if my child has been chosen?
Lottery selection will take place at Chester Elementary School. This
is open to all applicants to view in-person or remotely. The lottery
will determine which students will start the program in September.
Parents will be contacted directly by phone using the number
provided on the application and will also receive an email. If you
were not selected, you will receive an email indicating your child
has been placed on the waiting list.
When can I apply for the UPK program?
Interested parents are asked to submit their applications for UPK to the CES
registrar by a set deadline determined by the district. Applications received after
the deadline will not be accepted. Dates will vary in March each school year and
can be found on the district calendar.
What are the immunization requirements?
Public Health Law 2164 requires children to provide proof of
immunization within 14 days of the first day of school. The required
immunizations for PreK are: 4 DTaP, 3 Polio, 3 Hep B, 1 Varicella,
1 MMR, HIB and Pneumococcal.
Who do I reach out to for more information?
Please reach out to the CES registrar, Heather Laurencell for more
information. Mrs. Laurencell can be reached at
heather.laurencell@chesterufsd.org or ext. 2202