Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK)

The YMCA’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program serves 4—5-year-old children in warm, nurturing, supportive classes staffed by experienced, dedicated New York State-certified early childhood education teachers and aides.

Universal Pre-K is approved by the New York State Department of Education in collaboration with multiple school districts, licensed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, and staffed by New York State-certified early childhood education teachers.

UPK works in partnership with parents and recognizes them as the primary teachers of their children. Parents are encouraged to become part of their child’s educational experience by participating in classrooms, group meetings, and teacher conferences.

UPK is sensitive to each family’s lifestyle, values, and cultural preferences. Each child is viewed as unique and is guided to reach his/her potential. Class size and a high adult/child ratio support individuality. Children are encouraged to problem-solve, experiment with developmentally appropriate materials, and establish social relations through self-directed activities and special projects.

Universal Pre-K Educational Goals:

§  To provide a developmentally appropriate, child-centered, comprehensive, individualized, and family-focused early childhood education program

§  To prepare children for kindergarten, excited about learning and ready to succeed

§  To adhere to the New York State Department of Education’s Pre-Kindergarten Learning Standards.

§  To have children enjoy learning through play, both individually and in small groups with peers

§  To enhance the talents, abilities, and strengths of every child

§  To efficiently integrate with local school district

TO REGISTER

  1. Contact your child’s school district for an application
  2. Once approved your school district will notify the YMCA who will contact you with registration and extended day options

SCHOOL DISTRICT PARTNERS LINKS

Elmsford
Lakeland *NEW FOR 24/25 SCHOOL YEAR*
Mahopac *NEW FOR 24/25 SCHOOL YEAR*
Mount Pleasant *NEW FOR 24/25 SCHOOL YEAR*
North Salem *NEW FOR 24/25 SCHOOL YEAR*

Pleasantville 
Somers
Valhalla 
White Plains
Yorktown 

For more information contact:
Margarita Pineiro, Director of Early Learning Childcare – [email protected] 

  • (1) Standard Size Backpack
  • (1) pair child size scissors
  • (4) fat expo DRY erase black tip markers
  • (6) Fat Pencils
  • (1) Plastic Folder with pockets in a solid color
  • (12) Elmers Glue Sticks
  • (1) 24 Pack of Crayola Crayons
  • (2) packs baby wipes
  • (1) 10 Pack of Crayola Classic Color Markers Broad Tip
  • (1) individual Crayola Watercolor Palette
  • (4) Boxes of Tissues
  • (2) Hand Sanitizers
  • (1) box of Ziplock Gallon size bags
  • (1) box sandwich size bags
  • (1) 1-subject spiral notebook
  • (1) 1-inch white binder
  • (4) packs of Lysol or disinfecting wipes
  • (6 pack) of 4oz playdough
  • (2) seasonal change of clothes labeled in a Ziplock
  • (1) pack of Multicolored Construction Paper
  • (1) reem of copy paper

Extended Day Pricing School Year 24-25

Choose Your School District For Pricing Information

What Our UPK Families Are Saying

We recently asked our Universal Pre-K families to share their feedback about their experiences with our program. Here’s what they had to say:

1. How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the Universal Pre-K program?

2. What positive changes or growth have you observed in your child since starting the UPK program?

“Stamina! it was a big change going from half day nursery school + full time babysitter and I’m really happy to see that she’s adjusted nicely, which will be good kindergarten prep. She is learning + growing, socializing well with the other children (who are all new to her), following teacher’s rules, etc. Love watching her pack up her backpack in the morning – independent and organized.”

“Mi hija a fortalecido muchas habilidades tales como:Mayor socialización,mucho cariño hacia las clases y a su profesora. Ella está muy emocionada con cada cosa que aprende.”

“We have observed a lot of growth in our son since he entered the UPK program. He is definitely showing a lot of improvement in his academic skills and steps toward K readiness. I think the biggest change is that he used to be a lot more shy and uneasy in new situations. Since starting UPK at Primrose we’ve really seen him become more comfortable in situations that involve new people and places.”

“My daughter is learning her letters and clearly has a head start on the fundations curriculum. My daughter has been meeting new friends and learning how to socialize well.”

“Desarrollo académico”

3. Are there specific aspects of the program that you feel are working particularly well?

“Daily activities and classroom environment. Overall variety of experiences and activities. Becoming familiar with the routine and structure of a school setting.”

“The interaction between staff and students, which is the most important aspect in pre-K, developing and fostering a kind, loving, and safe environment, allows students to learn and grow.”

“The communication is amazing. From the teachers and beyond. We always feel included and know we can reach out if we have questions.”

4. How well do you feel the YMCA communicates with you regarding your child’s progress and program updates?

5. Has the program had an impact on your family or child beyond the classroom 

“We’ve been able to meet and get to know new families. Our child’s desire to learn has definitely been ignited.”

“Yes, as I wrote above our son is much more comfortable in new situations and meeting new people. Prior to UPK he would cling to me when meeting new people and maybe eventually after a couple hours open up a little. Now he much more readily engages in activities with friends that are new or that we don’t see often.”

“Claro que si. Mi hija a despertado un amor fascinante por el aprendizaje. No solo quiere saber cómo se dicen o hacen las cosas en inglés sino que quiere saber el significado o pronunciación en español también.”

“definitely supports what we do at home as far as having a love for learning new things. She loves to be a student and this has been great for her.”

“Fomentar el amor en el aprendizaje”

6. Do you have any additional feedback or suggestions for the program?

“We love our daughters teachers, Mrs Borsari has been very communicative and my daughter Colette is thriving. I hope we are lucky enough to have our son in her class next year!”

“Keep growing the program please !”

“Muy agradecida con la entrega y dedicación!!”

“This program has been a great experience for my family and I hope it stays around for other families to experience the same.”

“Keep teachers like Ms Ralls, I couldn’t ask for better first teacher for my son”

ELC Additional Pages