The West Genesee school district  recently announced it will free universal pre-kindergarten program for four-year-old children residing in the West Genesee Central School district.

Costs associated with the implementation of the program will be covered by funds allocated to the district via New York State.

To be eligible for the program, a child must: be four years old on or before December 1, 2022; be a West Genesee school district resident; and have all required immunizations.

The district is anticipating one pre-K classroom in one of its elementary schools with a maximum of 18 students. Holy Family School will host two UPK classes (maximum 18 children per class). And Learn As You Grow will host three classes (maximum 20 children per class).

This is a five-hour program and children selected to participate must attend the program five days per week. The WG UPK class and the Holy Family UPK classes will be staffed by one certified teacher and one teaching assistant. The Learn As You Grow UPK classes will have one certified teacher and two other adults.

Transportation is not provided to any of the programs.

In the event that more applications are received than can be accommodated, the district will conduct an open lottery in which children will be selected at random.

If you are interested in having your child participate in the UPK program for the 2022-23 school year, please complete the survey below no later than 4 p.m. on May 19. P.M.

The form is available at orms.gle/NV9Njk68ZkYT4c5X6

Children will be randomly selected for UPK through a computerized lottery system. All applicants will receive a phone call in the order of selection following the lottery to let families know their child’s status.

Parents/guardians/caregivers whose children are selected for the program will be directed to our online registration link beginning on May 23. For more specific information, please visit our website at westgenesee.org, or you may call the district office at 315-487-4562.