• Universal Prekindergarten Program (UPK) 2022-2023
     Head Start UPK

     

    The Ballston Spa Central School District is proud to collaborate with local pre-kindergarten providers to provide strong early learning programs for our students.  The program is designed to prepare children with the prerequisite skills and to help develop an aptitude for learning.

    Who is eligible for UPK?

    An eligible child is a child who resides within the Ballston Spa Central School District and who is four years of age on or before December 1, 2022. (A child who is age-eligible to attend kindergarten is not eligible for the UPK program.)

    Who operates the UPK classes?

    The UPK program is administered through the Ballston Spa Central School District's Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Please contact Pattie Ball at UPK@bscsd.org or (518) 884-7195, Ext. 1374 with questions.

    Where are the class locations, contact information, and the hours of operation?

    • Ballston Area Community Center 
      Full Day (9:00 am-2:00 pm), AM (9:00 am-11:30 am) & PM (12:30 pm-3:00 pm) Classes
      (518) 885-3261 ext. 4
      20 Malta Avenue, Ballston Spa   

    • LifeWorks Head Start (Income verification through LifeWorks)
      (518) 288-3206 ext. 157
      100 Saratoga Village Blvd Suite 35, Ballston Spa, NY 12020   

      *You must meet Head Start eligibility requirements to qualify for UPK at Head Start. Head Start is a free federally funded program run by LifeWorks Community Action for low-income pregnant women and children birth to age 5. Click here to read the eligibility requirements for Head Start.

    • YMCA Malta Childcare **
      (518) 583-4342, ext. 181
      10 Medical Park Drive, Ballston Spa   (up to 10 hour program)
      ** Please Note:  UPK funding is applied as a discount towards the cost of the YMCA Malta full day childcare program--there are no part-time options for this site. Parents will be charged a weekly fee, minus the UPK funding, for the YMCA program.

    When are the classes held?

    The UPK program follows the school district calendar and classes run Monday through Friday. It does not operate in the summer months.

    Is transportation provided?

    No. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent(s).

    How do I sign my child up for the UPK program? 

    Applications will be accepted beginning on January 1, 2022.

    Registration Checklist:

    1. Copy of your child's birth certificate 
    2. Copy of child’s current physical (within last 11 months) and up-to-date immunizations with the physician's name and address included
    3. Proof of District residency - TWO acceptable forms of proof required:  valid driver's license, current utility bill, signed lease or housing documents, or auto insurance policy/vehicle registration
    4. Completed Home Language Questionnaire
    5. Completed Application (Contact UPK@bscsd.org to obtain an application)

    Applications received after the January 31, 2022 deadline will be placed on a waiting list for placement as vacancies occur.

    How are students selected?

    The number of students selected in any given year is based on the availability of the New York State funding. In the event there are more applicants than available spaces, student placements will be determined through the use of a random lottery process that will take place after deadline for applications to be submitted has passed. Those not selected through the lottery process will be placed on a waiting list. 

    How will I be notified that my child was selected for the program?

    For applications on the wait list, the district will notify parents/guardians by mail of placement as vacancies occur.

    Questions?

    Contact Kathleen Skellie or Pattie Ball, Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, at UPK@bscsd.org or (518) 884-7195 Ext 1374.