Q: What is UPK?

A: UPK is a free preschool experience made possible through grants from the New York State Education Department.  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.

Q: Is UPK free?

A: Yes. However, New York State UPK does not guarantee that every child will have access. Not all families who register for UPK are guaranteed a spot.

Q: When does the registration/application window open and close?

A: Pre-K registration/applications for the 2025-26 school year began March 1. All eligible applications received by March 31 were included in a lottery for any available slots. There are a total of 72 spots and all of those have been filled. Any additional students that register will be put on a wait list. All pre-k students will attend Liberty Central School District for the 2025-26 school year. Parents will be notified by the school district at the end of April.

Q. How does the lottery process work for twins or triplets?

A: The lottery selection process does not give preference to families with twins, triplets, etc.  Each child is entered as an individual student and will be selected according to the lottery process.  The selection of one twin or triplet has no effect on the selection of any other siblings during the lottery selection process.

Q: How do I register my child for pre-kindergarten?

A: Pre-K registration is held at Liberty School District’s Registration Office, 115 Buckley St., Liberty. To make an appointment call Heather Austin at 845-292-5400, ext. 2331. Please bring the following, along with a completed registration packet, to your appointment:

• A copy of the parent/guardian’s photo identification
• The child’s birth certificate
• Proof of residency (such as a utility or rental lease)
• Immunization records, including proof of lead screen
• Copy of recent physical exam (must include all school physical exam requirements; please check with doctor)
• Custody papers if applicable

Q: Is transportation provided?

A: Yes.

Q: Is lunch provided in the program?

A: Yes

Q: Does my child need to be potty trained?

A: Yes.  If you have not already started to potty train your child, we highly recommend you search the internet for the PDF of the eBook “3 Day Potty Training” by Lora Jensen.  There may be a fee to purchase or download this file/eBook.

Q: Is UPK participation mandatory?

A: No. UPK is a voluntary program for both districts and children. Parents and/or caregivers may choose, but are not required, to enroll their child(ren) in a UPK program. However, once enrolled, the Liberty Central School District Attendance Policy applies.

Q: Who is eligible to register for UPK?

A: An “eligible child” as a LCSD resident child who is 4 years old on or before Dec. 1 of the school year in which they are enrolled or who will otherwise be first eligible to enter public school kindergarten the following school year.

Q: Is UPK available to 3-year-old students?

A: Some districts in New York state provide access to a 3-year-old UPK program. At this time the Liberty Central School District does not.

Q: What is the difference between UPK in a district classroom and UPK in an Eligible Agency, such as a Community-Based Organization (CBO)?

A: UPK programs offered throughout New York state are located in both district classrooms and CBOs. While UPK programs throughout the state may look different, all must offer a developmentally appropriate program that aligns with the New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards. Additionally, UPK classrooms must follow the laws and regulations outlined in Education Law and Commissioner Regulations. For the 25-26 school year,  all UPK classrooms are in Liberty Elementary School.

Q: If I decide I do not want to register my child for UPK because they are not ready, can I enroll them in UPK the following year?

A: No. A  child is eligible for UPK when they are four years of age on or before December 1st of the school year in which they are enrolled or will otherwise be first eligible to enter public school kindergarten the following school year. Therefore, a child would only be eligible for UPK for one year.

Q: If I don’t think my child is ready for kindergarten, can I hold them back in UPK?

A: No. A child is eligible for UPK when they are four years of age on or before December 1st of the school year in which they are enrolled or who will otherwise be first eligible to enter public school kindergarten commencing with the following school year. Therefore, a child would only be eligible for UPK for one year.

Q: Will my child be required to be screened prior to starting UPK?

A: Yes. All students in prekindergarten through grade 12 be screened upon entry to the school district to determine which students are possibly gifted or have or are suspected of having a disability and/or have limited English proficiency.

Q: How do UPK programs ensure that children are learning?

A: UPK programs provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities which are child-centered. Each program also periodically measures each child’s development of language and literacy, cognitive, and social and emotional skills.