BCSD receives universal Pre-Kindergarten grant

The Brockport Central School District will again offer a grant-funded Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program. Because of additional funding from the New York State Education Department, next year's program will be expanded from 33 slots to 105.

The program, with a strong focus on early literacy, will start in September and follow the school calendar. Children will attend school five days a week for two hours a day during morning or afternoon sessions. Since the grant requires a collaborative effort between BCSD and area childhood education agencies, 10 children will attend private schools and 95 students will attend Brockport's Ginther School. All sites will use the curriculum developed by the UPK Advisory Board and will be taught by a certified teacher.

To be eligible for the UPK program, children must be four years old by December 1, 2007 and a Brockport Central School District resident. Families are responsible for making transportation arrangements, as transportation is not part of the State Education Department grant.

Names for the 105 slots will be selected through a lottery process. Applications to participate in the UPK lottery were recently mailed to all eligible families who have contacted the registrar's office. To obtain an application and other related mailings call 637-1857. The deadline for lottery applications is noon on June 14.

Frequently Asked Questions about the program is on the district's website at http://brockport.k12.ny.us/upk. Call 637-1816 for information.

June 3, 2007