EMSC Banner for Content Pages. The banner reads, "New York State Education Department (NYSED), Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education (EMSC)" Back to EMSC Home
SED Home
Disclaimers and Notices

 Universal Prekindergarten Program - Continuation Grant
2005-2006

 

Introduction/Background: The Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program was established by Section 3602-e of Education Law in 1997. Districts first began offering UPK services in the 1998-1999 school year.
Purpose/Goal: The primary purpose of this grant program is to provide four-year-old children with an universal opportunity to access high quality prekindergarten programs that prepare them for future school success by developing strong foundational skills in early literacy and numeracy.
Eligible Applicants: Public school districts that were eligible to receive a UPK grant in 2004-2005 are eligible to receive a grant in the same amount for the 2005-2006 school year.
Funding: Source: State
Funds Available: $204.7 million

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Requirement: Districts that expended local funds for prekindergarten service in the base year (2004-2005) are required to expend the at least the same amount in local funds for prekindergarten services during the 2005-2006 school year.
Important Dates for Awarding Grants: Applications must be postmarked by June 30, 2005.
Project Period:  July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006
Additional Information:
  1. Section 3602-e of Education Law has been amended to provide:
  • for the 2005-2006 school year, a waiver from the MOE requirement for districts that had fully implemented a Universal Prekindergarten program by serving all eligible children in the 1998-99 school year; and
  • a provision that extends the transition period for teachers in eligible agencies to come into compliance with the teacher certification requirement for one year. This means that for the 2005-2006 school year, eligible agencies may employ uncertified teachers in UPK classrooms, as long as the teacher meets the requirements of the agency's licensing/registration authority and there is an on-site supervisor who has a New York State N-6 teaching certificate.
  1. Section 3602-e of Education Law defines "eligible children" as resident children who are four years of age on or before December 1st of the year in which they are enrolled or who will otherwise be first eligible to enter public school kindergarten the following school year. Districts do not have the authority to apply additional eligibility criteria. A district's selection methodology must ensure that all interested eligible four-year-olds have equitable access to the program.
Send To New York State Education Department
Child, Family & Community Services Team
Room 381 EBA
Albany, New York 12234
ATTN: Universal Prekindergarten Application
Number of Copies One (1) original and one (1) copy of the application.
One (1) original and two (2) copies of the FS-10.
The Chief School Officer must sign the originals in blue ink.
SED Contact: Ruth Singer (518) 474-5807 or emsceeri@mail.nysed.gov

Grant Application (in Word)

The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, martial status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. Portion of any publication designed for distribution can be made available in a variety of formats, including Braille, large print or audiotape, upon request. Inquiries regarding this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Department’s Office for Diversity, Ethics, and Access, Room 530, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234.

06/15/2007