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The Cohoes Universal Prekindergarten program is
a free, full day program available to Cohoes residents
regardless of income. It is a collaboration between the Cohoes
City School District, Cohoes Community Center and Albany County Head Start.
The program was funded through a
state grant, which enabled the district to support 55 students
during the 2007-08 school year. The number of available openings
will not be finalized until the state budget is passed and we
receive word of funding for the 2008-09 school year.
How do I register?
The preliminary registration dates for the 2008-2009 UPK program
are Wednesday,
April 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 28, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Tuesday, April 29 & Wednesday, April 30, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and
Thursday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration will be
held at Registrar Michele Smith's office at Cohoes Middle
School. For a list of the materials that you will need to
register,
click here.
How many students will be accepted?
The number of openings available are contingent
upon state funding. If more students register than there are slots
available, a lottery system will be implemented. Parents/guardians will be given the
opportunity to accept or reject selection. The process will
continue until all slots are filled or until the list of
applicants is exhausted. A waiting list will be kept.
Under state regulation, no exceptions will be made for
enrollment. The lottery will not occur
until after state funding is announced and the district is
approved for funding. You will receive a letter in the mail
confirming your child's spot in the program.
Where will the classes be held?
The district currently supervises three classes. One class, run by Head Start, will be held at
Ogden Mills, One Ogden Plaza, Cohoes. Two classes, run by Cohoes
Community Center, will be held at Abram Lansing Elementary
School, 26 James St. All classroom teachers and aides are
certified by New York State to teach early childhood education.
What are the hours?
The hours follow the regular school day -- 8:50
a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Can I choose the location that my child
attends?
You may make your location preference known, but
it may not be possible to honor all requests.
What is the cost of the program?
There is no cost.
What are the requirements to attend?
Children must be four years old by Dec.
1, 2008, and Cohoes residents to qualify.
How do I apply for free or reduced-price
meals?
Students who meet the financial eligibility
guidelines are entitled to one complete breakfast and one lunch
each day. Regulations require that eligible students purchasing
ONLY MILK be charged 45 cents.
Free/reduced meal applications are available at any time during
the school year. They may be requested at the school lunch
office, through the food service staff or can be downloaded by
clicking here.
What will my child learn in the UPK class?
The curriculum is tailored to match New
York State standards and aligned with the Cohoes kindergarten
curriculum. It focuses on communication, literacy skills and
social-emotional development.
My child has special needs. Can they attend UPK classes?
If your child is receiving services based on the
recommendation of the Committee on Preschool Special Education,
he or she is still eligible to attend. Contact the Office of
Special Programs at 237-0990 for further information.
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