Universal Prekindergarten
The Byron-Bergen School District hopes to once again offer a half day Universal Pre Kindergarten (UPK) program for the 2023-2024 school year. The class will be held at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School which is located at 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.
Students must turn four years of age by
December 1, 2023 to be eligible for the program. If you have a child eligible and are interested in having him/her attend our UPK program, please complete this
Google form which is also available on the
Student Registration page of the Byron-Bergen website. The form requires the student’s name, parents’ names, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. This electronic Google form is due
by Thursday, February 23, 2023. Parents that have already contacted the Elementary School by phone will still need to complete the form. If you are having difficulty completing the form, please call the Elementary School office for support.
Please note that if the District receives more applications than the allowed capacity, a lottery will be held to select students. This year's lottery drawing will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 via Zoom. Student specific lottery numbers and the Zoom link will be shared with everyone who completes the form before the February 23 deadline. Once the lottery is complete, if your child was selected, you need to complete the
full registration packet which can be found on the Byron-Bergen website and submit it to the Elementary School Office.
What are the Program Goals of the UPK at Byron-Bergen?
- To meet the NYS learning standards by using a curriculum that is thematically based and supported using literature, songs, and exploration.
- To foster an environment that promotes happy, confident children who are willing to take risks, make independent choices, and ask questions.
- To create an inclusive community that builds upon the student’s strengths and accommodates their needs.
Philosophy of UPK
The UPK program at Byron-Bergen is focused on socialization, learning through play, and self-exploration. Children learn through a hands-on learning environment that includes activities, learning centers, concrete materials, and manipulatives. Students learn through a nurturing environment that is enriching, challenging, and developmentally appropriate.