• Universal Prekindergarten Program (UPK) 2023-2024

    **2023-2024 UPK WAIT LIST INFORMATION**

    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. The open enrollment period for UPK has closed.  Applications received after March 31, 2023, will be added to our waiting list.

    Who is eligible for UPK?

    An eligible child is a child who resides within the Ballston Spa Central School District and who will be four years of age on or before December 1, 2023. A child who is age-eligible to attend kindergarten is not eligible for the UPK program.

    Who coordinates with the UPK community-based organizations?

    The UPK program funding and instructional supports are 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)
      20 Malta Avenue, Ballston Spa
      (518) 885-3261 ext. 4

      The Ballston Area Community Center Universal Pre-Kindergarten program offers an interdisciplinary approach to helping each child foster an academic, social, and emotional foundation. The BACC UPK program provides a variety of opportunities for each child to become involved in learning through cognitive-based activities and through socialization. 

    • LifeWorks Head Start - Full Day (8:30 am - 2:30 pm) *Income verification required through LifeWorks
      100 Saratoga Village Blvd Suite 35, Ballston Spa
      (518) 288-3206 ext. 157

      LifeWorks Head Start offers services to families in Saratoga County whose income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines. Head Start uses a research-based, early childhood curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten. In addition, LifeWorks supports the whole family, not just the children enrolled in the program.  

      *Please note:  You must meet Head Start eligibility requirements to qualify for UPK at Head Start.  Click here to read the eligibility requirements for Head Start.

    • Little Achievers Child Care and Learning Center - Full Day (8:30 am-1:30 pm)*
      2443 State Route 9, Malta 
      (518) 313-0033

      Little Achievers Child Care and Learning Center offers a developmentally appropriate program for young children that fosters the whole child concept, respects each child as an individual, and stimulates a child's natural interest in and enjoyment of learning. Little Achievers Child Care and Learning Center promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development to foster a foundation for lifelong success.

      *Please note:  The UPK program will operate from 8:30 am-1:30 pm.  Center hours are 7:30 am-5:30 pm, and before and after care is provided.  The UPK program will follow the Ballston Spa Central School District calendar, but parents who select this site are required to pay full tuition on holidays, vacation weeks, and during summer vacation.  Parents will be charged tuition, minus UPK funding, for this 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.

    What is the cost of this program?

    There is no cost for the UPK program for the full day (5 or 6 hours, depending on the provider) of school that is provided.  

    Families who choose Little Achievers Child Care and Learning Center will be charged tuition, minus UPK funding, for the wraparound child care that is provided when enrolling in their program. Parents who select this site will be required to pay full tuition on holidays, vacation weeks, and during summer vacation.

    Is transportation provided?

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

    How do I sign my child up for the UPK program after the lottery has occurred? 

    Although we encourage families to participate in the annual open enrollment for the best chance of securing a seat for September, we continue to accept UPK applications after the close of the lottery period.  Applications received outside of the primary lottery window are placed at the end of a waiting list in the order they are received, and families will be notified if a space becomes available.   

    Please note that registration for the UPK program is a two-step process.  

    Step 1:

    Please complete the enrollment census waiting list form to be added to the waiting list. 

    Please click here to complete the enrollment census waiting list form.

    Step 2:

    When an opening occurs, the next family on the waiting list will be contacted.  They will be required to submit the information listed below through our online registration portal, FamilyID, within one week in order to accept their placement.  Failure to submit all materials listed below within one week of accepting the placement will void the application, and the placement will be awarded to another family.

    Registration Checklist:

    1. Online UPK Registration Packet:  FamilyID
    2. Copy of your child's birth certificate 
    3. Copy of child’s current physical (within the last 12 months) and up-to-date immunizations with the physician's name and address included
    4. 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

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

    Parents/guardians on the wait list will be notified by email when an opening occurs.

    Questions?

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