L.P. Quinn Elementary School

What is Universal Prekindergarten (UPK)?

In New York State, prekindergarten comes in many forms. Universal Prekindergarten, or UPK, is a state and federally funded prekindergarten program offered to families free of charge, but does not guarantee that every child will have access.

Is my child entitled to UPK services?

No. Although UPK stands for "universal prekindergarten," in New York State, prekindergarten is not universally available to all families in all school districts at this time. It is a goal New York State is working toward.

When can my child attend prekindergarten?

In the Tupper Lake Central School District, a family can register their child for prekindergarten if their child is four years old on or before December 1st. 

Once registered, will my child be guaranteed a spot?

No. In districts where UPK is available, entry is based on eligibility age and the district lottery system. Please contact your school district to ask about waitlist possibilities.

What if I feel my child isn't ready for UPK?

UPK is a voluntary program for both school districts and children. Parents and/or caregivers may choose, but are not required, to enroll their child(ren) in a UPK program.

If I choose not to register my child for UPK this year, will they be able to attend next year?

No, because they would be eligible to enter kindergarten the next school year. However, families may send their child to a private prekindergarten program after attending UPK or deliver home instruction.

Will my child be screened before attending UPK?

Yes, as new students, regardless of age or grade level, they are required to be screened upon entry to the school district. Screening provides teachers with valuable information about each child's home language, individual interests, strengths, and needs.

My child may need preschool special education programs or services, can those be provided in a UPK program?

Yes, school districts are responsible for providing special education programs and services in the least restrictive environment. Your school district’s committee on preschool special education will work with you to identify how your child’s individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives may be addressed in the UPK classroom. Additionally, the IEP will identify the specialized instruction, related services, accommodations, and supports your child may receive to enable them to be educated in an inclusive UPK program to the maximum extent appropriate.

Due to a limited number of seats, we are required to conduct a random lottery to select students if we exceed our capacity. New York State Universal PreKindergarten regulations prohibit a district from prioritizing eligible students for any reason.  Each child will be entered into the lottery as an individual student and will be selected at random. 

2026-27 UPK Lottery Procedure

1. Parent/guardian completes online application by Friday, March 27^th
2. Applicants are assigned a randomized number
3. The lottery will be drawn by the building principal and a witness by Friday, April 17^th
4. Parents will be notified of the lottery results by email within two school days of the drawing.  The email will include an appointment for screening which will be held in May.  Classroom assignments are mailed to families over the summer.
5. If your child does not receive a slot in the lottery, they will move to a waitlist and may receive a placement as they open. Participation in a Prekindergarten program is not required for a student to be eligible for Kindergarten the following year.

Sometimes openings are created as students may exit the program for various reasons. If an opening does not exist, students will be placed on a waiting list and will be contacted when/if an opening occurs.