FAQ: Pre-K Program

Q: What is UPK?
A: It is grant-funded and provides for a full, structured day of preschool programming.

Q: Who is eligible for UPK in the 2026-27 school year?
A: Children who reside in the East Greenbush Central School District and who are four years old on, or before, December 1, 2026.

Q: Do parents have to pay for the UPK program?
A: The UPK program is free for families.

Q: Will transportation to and from school be provided?
A: No, transportation is not provided. Parents must transport their child to and from the UPK program.

Q: How are students selected for UPK?
A: Parents/guardians complete an application, which will create a lottery entry. Students will be chosen randomly through a lottery drawing and then placed a pre-k site based on the individual family’s preference and availability.

Q: Where will UPK be located?
A: There will be eight pre-k sites in 2026-27. School Info and Times.

  • Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School
  • Genet Elementary School
  • Green Meadow Elementary School
  • Red Mill Elementary School
  • Early Childhood Education Center
  • Holy Spirit School
  • Tutor Time – East Greenbush
  • Tutor Time – North Greenbush

Q: If my child currently attends a Pre-K program at one of the UPK sites, do I still have to apply via the lottery?
A: Yes, all students who wish to participate in the district UPK program must enter and be chosen through the lottery.

Q: Is the lottery drawing open to the public?
A: Yes. View 2026-27 Pre-K Lottery Results.

Q: Will I have a choice as to which schools my child will attend?
A: Parents can indicate their site location preferences on a google form for the lottery entry. Site preference is NOT a guarantee.

Q: Does my child have to attend the program 5 days a week?
A: Yes. This is a full day, five days per week program. Attendance is monitored. If your family is planning to travel for an extended period of time, seats are not held and the student may be placed back on the waitlist for another seat to become available.

Q: My child was assigned to a UPK site through the lottery, but we would like them to attend a different UPK site. Can we switch?
A: No, but your child can go back on the waitlist for a seat at a different provider.

For questions about the registration process, or general UPK-related questions, please contact: Michelle Durfee at durfeemi@egcsd.org or 518-207-2528

For questions seeking provider information/details (e.g., before or aftercare costs) please contact the provider directly.