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UPK Program

Universal Pre-kindergarten (UPK) is a New York State-funded program specifically designed for children the year before they are eligible for kindergarten.

 
UPK is a developmentally appropriate, learner-centered educational program to help four-year-olds develop physically, socially, emotionally, linguistically, culturally, and intellectually. The program has a strong emphasis on early literacy and early numeracy to help prepare children for kindergarten. 
 

Basic eligibility requirements:

  • must be a Clarence School District resident
  • child must turn 4 years old by December 1st of the school year 

Basic information:

  • UPK is a 180-day program that follows the District calendar 
  • Classes are either 2.5 or 5 hours a day (depending on placement)
  • Transportation and lunch are not currently provided
  • Attendance for UPK Program hours is at no cost to families 
  • Select centers offer “wrap-around” child care outside the UPK time at family expense (contact the providers for further details)
  • Students are randomly selected
  • Eligible students must be four years old by December 1 of the school year but not five.
Contact information:
 
 Melissa Byrd
Curriculum Department
716-407-9109 
9625 Main Street
Clarence NY 14031

2025-26 School Year

Our lottery was held in April but we have some placements left. Please sign up for our waitlist to be presented with our remaining options.

Additional information regarding providers, as well as the the selection and placement process, can be found under our FAQs or on our partner providers page.