GARNERVILLE, NY—The North Rockland Central School District has been granted $2,454,359 by the New York State Education Department to expand its Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) offerings, an effort that will significantly enhance early childhood education in the area. This funding is part of a broader initiative that awarded competitive grants to various districts across New York, with North Rockland receiving one of the largest allocations.
Superintendent Kris Felicello, Ed. D., expressed enthusiasm about the impact of the new funds. “This investment by NYSED will move North Rockland forward in the critical work of improving outcomes for our children and families,” he stated. The grant will transform 200 existing half-day UPK seats into full-day ones and introduce an additional 150 full-day placements, directly responding to the community’s growing need for accessible and comprehensive early childhood education.
This expansion builds on previous funding received last year, which allowed the district to convert 60 half-day seats to full-day and add ten new full-day placements. By the 2024-25 academic year, North Rockland will offer 480 full-day and 23 half-day UPK seats.
The state’s UPK program, funded both federally and at the state level, aims to prepare children for kindergarten by providing educational opportunities at no cost to families. Eligibility is based solely on residency and age within participating districts, and spots are typically assigned via a lottery system.
The grants were distributed based on a number of criteria, including a district’s ability to serve high-need schools and students, existing prekindergarten services, and the potential to maximize service to eligible children. Awarded districts are set to operate these programs over a standard 180-day school year.
For families in North Rockland interested in the UPK program, more information is available on the district’s website at northrockland.org or by contacting the district office at (845) 942-3493. This funding not only supports the educational framework of the district but also underscores a statewide commitment to enhancing early childhood education as a foundation for future academic success.
View the full press release below.
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