Universal Pre-Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions

A: No, if your child will be five years old prior to the dates listed above, they are not eligible to participate in UPK.

A: The total number of students selected in any given year is predicated upon the availability of funding. If there are more applicants than available spaces, all names will be entered into a random, digitized lottery process to offer a student placement in the program. This year, the lottery is planned to occur in March. The District cannot guarantee that a child will be selected to participate in the UPK program or if selected, a specific location can not be promised. Students who are not selected for the UPK program via the lottery process will be added to a waitlist.
 

A: Parents and guardians who are interested in having their child considered for UPK must call the District Registrar at 716-626-8001 and confirm that their four-year-old is included in the District census. This step is required even if families have other children who are currently registered in the Williamsville Central School District. Once included in the District census, parents should receive a letter by mid-February to indicate interest in the program.

A: Our goal is to inform parents and guardians who applied on behalf of their child no later than the end of March. 
 

A: UPK students are considered new entrants to the Williamsville Central School District and must meet the following program requirements as articulated by New York State and WCSD:

• Students must attend their UPK program 5-hours per day, 5-days a week, for the entire 180-day school year.
• Students must meet the expectation to arrive on time, and stay for the entire duration of the school day.
• Transportation to and from the program is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
• Students must meet NYS immunization and mandated health requirements.

A: No, the District does not provide transportation for UPK students. Transportation to and from the program is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. There are expectations for regular attendance and prompt arrival and dismissal. Attendance and arrivals are closely monitored and recorded.
 

A: The Williamsville Central School District collaborates with community-based child care centers and identified District elementary schools to provide UPK services. The participating sites are provided on the UPK Interest Form.
 

A: Please call the UPK Secretary at 716-626-8071.