Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program
Minisink Valley Central School District Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program
Click here: Minisink Valley 2026-27 Universal Pre-K Guide
What is Universal Pre-K?
The district offers a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) for four-year-old children through partnerships with six local preschool programs.
Our goal is to work together with families to give children a strong, happy start to school. We value family engagement and encourage parents and guardians to learn about the program and our partner sites.
Universal Pre-K (UPK) is a free, full-day preschool program funded by New York State. It's designed to help children grow socially, emotionally and academically before they enter kindergarten.
Because funding is limited, the number of available seats is limited.
Who can apply?
Your child may be eligible if:
Your family lives in the district, and
Your child is four-years-old in accordance with New York State eligibility guidelines
Our partner sites
Minisink Valley partners with six community-based preschool programs. Families are welcome and encouraged to contact them directly to learn more about their programs and arrange tours prior to applying for a seat.
Bright Beginnings
2051 US-6, Middletown, N.Y. 10940
845-697-5232Little Learners
581 County Rd 62, Westtown, N.Y. 10998
845-355-8687Little Munchkins
21 School St, Otisville, N.Y. 10963
845-412-5550New Beginnings Learning Academy
33 Albert St, Middletown, N.Y. 10940
845-342-0051Our Lady of Mount Carmel
205 Wawayanda Ave, Middletown, N.Y. 10940
845-343-8836YMCA First Steps Preschool
6 Liberty St, Middletown, N.Y. 10940
845-341-9622
Please research and visit these UPK sites to determine which programs can be the best match for your child/family.
How do I apply and what is the process?
The district follows New York State UPK regulations to complete the preschool selection process. This includes:
Application submission
Lottery selection
Family notification
Enrollment and placement steps
Timeline for the 2026-27 school year:
Tuesday, Feb. 3 (Snow date Thursday, Feb. 5)
UPK Information Night for parents/guardians
Monday, Feb. 9:
UPK applications are expected to be mailed to parents/guardians of all four-year-old children in the district, using district census information. (The application will also be available on the district's website)
If you’re unsure whether your child is registered with the district, contact District Registrar Diane Super at 845-355-5812 or email: dsuper@minisink.com
Friday, March 6:
Completed UPK applications must be returned by this date to be included in the UPK Lottery
Application requirements include proof of child’s age (birth certificate); proof of residency; and current immunization (vaccine) records
Late applications cannot be included in the lottery, but may be added to the wait list if any spots remain unfilled.
UPK Lottery:
Following the receipt of all applications and verification of documentation, a lottery will be held (date to be determined).
Names will be randomly selected by district administration in the presence of staff.
UPK seats will be assigned to participating preschools based on lottery results.
Late March:
Families will be notified of acceptance or wait-list status before the district’s spring break, which is the week of March 30.
NOTE: These dates may be subject to change.
Other important information:
The UPK program is funded by New York State. All meetings, applications and the lottery are held in anticipation of state funding.
Funding is provided for a limited number of UPK seats. The district’s goal is to serve as many children and families as possible.
Due to state grant rules, full-day UPK seats cannot be divided into half-day seats.
On the application, families may indicate their first, second, and third preschool choices.
Every effort is made to honor first choices, but placement cannot be guaranteed.
Families may accept or decline a UPK seat if one is offered.
Private-pay preschool options are available through many participating preschools and other community programs.
Questions?
Contact Amy Peluso Prasky, UPK Supervisor, at 845-355-5138; or email:
apelusoprasky@minsink.com