Universal Pre-Kindergarten
2026-27 Universal Pre-Kindergarten FAQs
We are happy to share that registration for our 2026–27 Universal Pre-K (UPK) program will open on Wednesday, January 28th. Please see answers to frequently asked questions below.
How is eligibility for the 2026-27 UPK program determined?
- Children who are residents of the Carmel Central School District and were born between December 1, 2021, and November 30, 2022, are eligible for this program.
- Completion of the registration process, including providing proof of residency, is necessary for a child to participate in our UPK program.
When, and how do I register?
Registration packets for UPK 2026–27 will be available starting Monday, January 26. The registration packet will be available to download and print from here, the Carmel Central School District UPK webpage. Paper copies will be available for pick up at the District Office located at 81 South Street, Patterson, NY 12563. Completed registration packets will be accepted starting on Wednesday, January 28. Completed registration packets can be dropped off to the District Office, attention to Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent of PPS.
Is there a cost to the parent/guardian for their child's attendance in Carmel's UPK program? Do we have to pay tuition?
Parents/guardians do not need to pay tuition for our UPK program. We anticipate that the 2026-27 UPK program will be funded by a combination of local, state, and federal funding.
Where is the program located?
The district partners with various community-based organizations (CBOs) to allow multiple location options and promote ease of access. The names and locations of these CBOs will be listed on the registration packet.
Is it a full or half-day program?
It is a full-day (5 hour) program.
How do I indicate my preference for my child's placement?
The application packet will ask you to indicate your order of preference for each location.
Will transportation be offered?
District transportation for UPK is not available at this time. However, we partner with multiple CBOs throughout the community to provide various location options and promote ease of access for families.
Is there a calendar?
Our UPK partners follow our Carmel CSD calendar.
Is there a pre-K curriculum?
Our UPK partners follow the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Curriculum Preschool Sequence which addresses physical, social, linguistic, and cognitive aspects of development. This pre-K curriculum is aligned with NYSED's Pre-K Learning Standards. It also supports student learning as they transition into our Kindergarten which follows the CKLA curriculum.
What do I do if my child needs before or after care?
Some of our UPK partners provide before and after-care. The cost associated with before and after-care is not covered by the district. Contact information for our UPK partners will be included in the registration packet. Parents/guardians seeking information on before or after care are encouraged to contact the UPK partner site directly about this.
More Information:
Please contact Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy at ekennedy@carmelschools.org, or (845) 878-2094. For Spanish-speaking assistance, please contact Mrs. Denise Ramirez, Bilingual Outreach Coordinator, at dramirez@carmelschools.org or (845) 540-9094.
Family FAQs for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) and Kindergarten
2026-27 UPK Registration
See the 2026-27 UPK Registration Forms below.
CCSD Universal Pre-K Registration Packet - English
CCSD Universal Pre-K Registration Packet - Spanish
Completed registration packets will be accepted starting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.