Universal Pre-Kindergarten

Saugerties Central School District’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program is a free preschool experience made possible through grants from the New York State Education Department. The grant currently covers 80 seats and is administered in collaboration with The Children's Workshop of the Catskills, a licensed daycare provider that must meet strict criteria set forth by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. 

The District’s UPK program offers 4-year-old children a full-day (6-hour) program with expanded aftercare offered by Saint Mary/Saint Joseph's Early Learning Center. If there are 80 students or under, all students are accepted.  If more than 80 applications are received, selection is first through the following criteria: Students who are economically disadvantaged, and/or English Language Learners, and/or a Child with a disability. Then through a lottery system. After that, slots are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Parents are notified by mail of their acceptance. All other applicants will be notified of their placement on a waiting list. The Universal Pre-Kindergarten program is located at the Mt. Marion Learning Center, at 744 Glasco Turnpike, Saugerties, and is in session between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  Parents/Guardians are responsible to transport students who attend Pre-K. There is no district provided transportation.

All UPK providers that are contracted by the District must follow the New York State Pre-Kindergarten Learning Standards. The Children’s Workshop is permitted flexibility in how it chooses to deliver the curriculum, but it must support and  promote the development of early childhood social, emotional, motor, and cognitive skills.

You may request an application packet be sent to you by email by reaching out to Jessica Markle at jmarkle@saugerties.k12.ny.us.