The Niskayuna Central School District will expand its Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program for the 2025-26 school year, creating more opportunities for children to access high quality early learning. Through a new partnership with TSL Adventures, the district will add 26 classroom seats—broadening its reach and supporting the district’s commitment to early childhood education as outlined in the 2024–27 Strategic Plan.
At its April 8 meeting, the Board of Education approved UPK contracts with both TSL Adventures and the Schenectady Jewish Community Center (JCC), the district’s existing UPK provider. TSL will open two new classrooms – one with 16 seats and another with 10 – at its childcare facility on Troy-Schenectady Road. The JCC will continue offering a classroom for 14 students, bringing the district’s total UPK capacity to 40 seats for the upcoming school year.
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“Universal Prekindergarten is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our students and community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Jessica Moore. “By expanding access to early learning, we are fulfilling a key part of our district’s strategic plan, ensuring all students have the strong foundation they need to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.”
The expansion of the UPK program in Niskayuna reflects the district’s strategic priorities, by providing meaningful and engaging learning opportunities for Niskayuna’s youngest learners, ensuring they begin their academic journey with a strong foundation; advances our our environment and culture by helping reduce barriers for families to access high-quality early learning programs; and promotes community partnership by fostering collaboration with families and local organizations, reinforcing the shared commitment to supporting student success.
“Early childhood education lays the foundation for literacy, curiosity and social growth,” said Moore. “Expanding UPK ensures more students begin their learning journey in a supportive, developmentally appropriate environment, helping them build the skills they need to be ready for kindergarten and beyond.”
The UPK program is funded by New York State’s Universal Prekindergarten grant, which provides $5,400 per student. The $140,400 cost of the TSL partnership will be fully covered by state grant funding. The JCC program will also benefit from state support, along with a $35,420 contribution from the district’s General Fund.
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