Universal Pre-Kindergarten, better known as UPK, is a program that creates an exciting time in the academic and social life of children who are 4 years of age. This program is designed to use a child's natural curiosity as a springboard to learn skills that are necessary for success in elementary school. Children will learn and enhance reading, writing, math, science and social skills.
To qualify for UPK:
Children enrolling at the 2010-2011 UPK Program at Gwendolyn B. Bland Day Care Center must turn 4 years of age between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. If your child turns 4 years of age in 2011, he/she will not qualify until next September.
Advantages of enrolling your child at Gwendolyn B. Bland Day Care's UPK Program:
* Less Holidays and Days Off
* 3 teachers in each classroom (no more than 24 children per classroom)
* Child will be able to remain at the center year-round (including July and August)
* Longer Days (center operates 8am to 6pm)
* Same Department of Education curriculum as public school
Documents Needed fo Enrollment in UPK
* Child's birth certificate
* Child's social security card
* 2 proofs of address documents (only accepted documents, which must be dated no earlier than 60 days prior to submitting documents, are: Rent bill, Con Edison, Pay-stub with current home address, Letter or notice from HRA or ACD or any other State or City Agency, Letter or Notice from IRS. Cable & Telephone bills cannot be accepted). The proofs of address documents must be in your name. If it is not in your name (because you are living with someone), you must stop by our office to pick up a parent affidavit of residency letter, which must be completed by you and the person you are residing with. This form must include 2 proofs of address documents listed above in the name of the person you are residing with and be notarized.
* Completed school medical form, which must contain all immunization dates.
Additional Requirements
All children enrolled at Gwendolyn B. Bland Day Care Center's UPK Program must also be enrolled through ACD/HRA's Child Care Subsidized Program, which will allow your child to remain at the center for a full day and on days when UPK is not in session. To qualify, parents must:
1) Be on public assistance, enrolled in an HRA approved program or;
2) Work at least 20 hours a week, Monday through Friday or;
3) Attend a Job Training or Educational Program as a full time student or;
4) Have a child who is receiving ACS Services.
See Child Care Program for required documents needed to enroll your child at Gwendolyn B. Bland Day Care Center.
