Universal Pre-K Program
Universal Pre-K Program
The Penfield Central School District is excited to continue our Universal Pre Kindergarten Program (UPK) for the Fall of 2026! This NYS grant funded program will operate within local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and within some Penfield School buildings. CBOs are existing organizations such as childcares and preschools. The District knows how important early learning is for our youngest students and we are looking forward to offering this program to children who will turn four years old on or before December 1, 2026.
The program will be full day (5 ½ hours) and will offer a social emotional and play based curriculum that is aligned with the NYS Pre Kindergarten Learning Standards. Free breakfast and lunch will also be provided.
If you have additional questions about the UPK program, please contact Mary Sapone at (585) 249-5733 or MSapone@penfield.edu.
2026-27 School Year Program
Virtual UPK Information Session Video
UPK Locations:
|
Penfield High School |
18 slots |
Wrap around NOT available |
8:20 a.m. -1:50 p.m. |
| Harris Hill Elementary School | 18 Slots | Wrap around NOT available | 8:20 a.m. -1:50 p.m. |
| Scribner Elementary School | 18 slot | Wrap around NOT available | 8:20 a.m. -1:50 p.m. |
|
Care A Lot Fairport |
18 slots |
Wrap around available; First Come First Serve |
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
|
Inspire Penfield/Macedon |
18 slots |
Wrap around available; First Come First Serve |
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
|
Inspire Pittsford |
18 slots |
Wrap around available; First Come First Serve |
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
|
Childtime Penfield |
15 slots |
Wrap around intermittently available; First Come First Serve |
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Selection Process
Students will be selected to participate in the UPK program through a lottery system. Penfield has 123 UPK spots available. Students who apply to our UPK program will be chosen based on an equitable lottery system in early May.
Program Timeline
April 15: 6-7:00 p.m.: Virtual Community Information Session (link: Virtual UPK Community Night)
April 20: 8 a.m.: Application posted on the UPK Website
April 20 - May 1: Open Enrollment Period
Week of May 4: Lottery Drawing
Week of May 11: Families will be notified by email if their child was selected to be part of the UPK Program
Interested families are encouraged to join us on April 15 from 6-7:00 p.m. for a Virtual Community Information Session. This Community Information Session will provide families with details on the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program including how to apply. There will also be time for families to ask questions. The presentation will be recorded and posted on the District's website. You may call Mary Sapone with any questions at 585-249-5733.
Click here to join: Virtual UPK Community Night
** Please note that this link will only be live during the presentation on April 15th from 6-7pm
Open Enrollment and UPK Application
The application for the 2026-27 School Year will be posted soon.
Waitlist Process
- Families who have a child selected for Universal Pre-Kindergarten will be notified by email and will be responsible for confirming their acceptance into the UPK program.
- When an opening becomes available, the waitlist will be accessed in the order families’ numbers were drawn during the lottery.
- Location preferences will not be considered when the waitlist is accessed.
- When an opening becomes available, families will be called and emailed.
- A family presented with an opening will be given the choice to accept the opening or to be moved to the bottom of the waitlist to wait for another opening to occur.
- Families will have 48 hours to indicate whether they accept the opening or would like to be moved to the bottom of the waitlist.
- As openings occur, the waitlist will continue to be accessed accordingly until there are no more families on the list.
If you have questions about the Penfield UPK program, please contact Mary Sapone at (585) 249-5733 or MSapone@penfield.edu.