Universal Pre-Kindergarten 2025-2026 School Year

Thank you for your interest in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program through the Alden Central School District.

UPK is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

*Registration is due by Friday, February 28, 2025, in order to be entered into the lottery.

Parent Informational Session:

When: Monday, January 27, 2025

Time: 6:00pm

Where: Alden Primary School Commons- 11197 Broadway Alden, NY 14004

*In the event of a school closing due to weather, it will be rescheduled for Monday, February 3, 2025.

ABOUT OUR UPK:

  • UPK offers a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate experience for our students.

  • The program is in session Monday through Friday each week and follows the Alden school district calendar.

  • Parents are required to provide transportation to and from the program.

  • The Alden Central School District collaborates with a community partner, World of Wonders, to provide this program at Alden Primary School.

  • For the 2025-2026 school year, Alden will be offering full-day UPK for 6 hours a day.  The school day is from approximately 8:10 AM - 2:10 PM. 

  • It is a tuition-free program funded through a New York State Education Department grant. There is limited availability based on this funding. There are approximately 70 slots available for the 2025-2026 school year.  If more children apply than there are available slots, the district will hold a random selection lottery the first week of March 2025.  Families with multiple children eligible for UPK will be entered into the lottery as one application. When the application of a family of multiples is drawn in the lottery, all children will be offered a UPK slot.    

  • Before and after-school childcare may be available through World of Wonders for an additional fee. Registering for the UPK program does not guarantee wrap-around care.  Families must register for additional childcare with the provider once a UPK placement has been determined.

ELIGIBILITY:

  • A child who resides within the Alden Central School District attendance area.

  • A child who will be four years old on or by December 1, 2025.  The child's birthday must fall between December 2, 2020, and December 1, 2021.

  • A child who is age-eligible to attend kindergarten is NOT eligible for the UPK program.

REGISTRATION PROCESS:

  • Print the application here.

  • Request an application by emailing your name, phone number, and address to ppiegdon@aldenschools.org or calling 716-937-9116 EXT. 4172.

Parents or guardians need to:

  • Complete the application

  • Provide copies of the following required documents:

    • Child's birth certificate

    • Child's current Physical and Immunization record (dated within 1 year of the registration date)

    • Two proofs of residency

      • Proof of residency must show the parent/guardian's name and address on two different items, such as a utility bill dated within the past 30 days, a driver's license, etc.

Drop off or mail completed packets to:

Attention: Patti Piegdon, Central Registrar

Alden Central School District

13190 Park Street

Alden, NY 14004

Universal Pre-Kindergarten 2024-2025 School Year

Thank you for your interest in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program through the Alden Central School District.

UPK is currently full and on a wait list.

*If you are interested in adding your child to the waitlist, please complete the registration packet.

Questions?

If you need additional information, please contact:
Michelle Busch

UPK Program Coordinator

716-937-9116, 4020
mbusch@aldenschools.org