Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK)
Frequently Asked Questions 

Q:  What is the criteria for a child to be eligible to attend the UPK program?
A:  A family must reside in the Brockport School District. The child must be 4 years old by December 1,

Q: What health forms are required?
A: Copies of the most recent physical examination and immunization records must be submitted.  It is not necessary to make a new doctor's appointment if copies of the above records have been provided.

Q: If my child does not attend kindergarten the following year, may they attend UPK again?
A: No, UPK is a one-year program for children who will be four by December 1. 

Q: Where will the UPK program be located?
A: Most of the students will attend UPK at the Ginther School. The remaining students will attend private preschools in the area that have agreed to align their curriculum with the public school curriculum and have a certified teacher to teach it. The private school collaboration is required by the UPK grant.

Q:  Will the UPK program follow the district calendar?
A:  Yes.

Q:  How long will children be in school each day/week?
A:  The UPK program is required to be five days a week for 2 1/2 hours per day. The Ginther School's UPK program times are:

UPK AM 8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
UPK PM 11:30 a.m. -2:00 pm.

Each of the outside UPK agencies will also teach UPK for 2 1/2 hours per day, however, they will determine their own schedule. 

Q:  What will be the focus of the curriculum and will there be specials like in Kindergarten?
A:  The focus of the curriculum will be literacy based on the NYS Pre-School Standards but there will be math, science and social studies lessons.  Physical education, art, and music experiences are provided within the UPK classroom.  

Q: Will transportation be provided?
A: No, transportation is not covered by the grant. BCSD researched the possibility of transporting students; however this is not an option at this time.

Q: How will I apply for UPK?
A: An application will be sent directly to families who have contacted the Registrar’s Office. If your child is not in our student data base, please call (585) 637-1857 to receive an application and other related information. 

Q: Is there any cost to families for UPK?
A: There are no direct costs to families for the academic program at either Ginther School or the outside agencies involved in the UPK program. However, families need to provide transportation to and from UPK.  No school supplies are required. Snacks are provided to students each day.

Q:  May I request a specific UPK teacher?
A: Please do not request a specific teacher. Placement decisions are focused on providing the best academic setting and groupings to maximize students’ instructional experiences. The four Ginther UPK classes work together and see one another often throughout the week and school year; for this reason, instructional criteria overrides placing groups of friends together since they will see one another often. UPK teachers incorporate ice breakers and activities for building classroom friendships starting the first day of school.

Q:  When will parent/child visitation occur?
A:  In the placement letter, which will be mailed late August, parents will receive notification of their child's AM or PM session, orientation date/time and teacher name.