Board of Education Special Meeting Information for April 21, 2026
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
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For more information, contact the Office of Early Childhood Education at 315-792-2216.
REGISTER NOW!
UPK–Kindergarten Transition Resources
DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library promotes a lifelong love of reading by providing free, high-quality books to children from birth through age five. Made possible through a partnership between Dolly Parton and local community organizations, the program serves families across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland—ensuring young children have access to books during their most critical years of development.
For Utica residents ages Birth-5 Years Old
Registration Form to Sign up for the Imagination Library!
Send completed form to:
Perch Place, LLC
600 French Road
New Hartford, NY 13413
www.perchplace.org
Attn: Kandee Simpson
Utica City School District Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)
The Utica City School District offers FREE Universal Pre‑Kindergarten (UPK) to children who are four years old on or before December 1 and reside in the Utica City School District. UPK programs are offered at multiple locations throughout the City of Utica and include both full‑day and half‑day options to meet family needs. Through engaging, play‑based experiences, children develop language, early academic foundations, and social skills that help them grow alongside others and confidently prepare for kindergarten. Registration packets are available online, through the Office of Early Childhood Education, or at participating Universal Pre‑Kindergarten agencies.
Call 792-2216 for an application and further information.
Participating UPK Community Agencies
Head Start / (315)624-9930 / 1100 Miller Street (Income Eligibility Applies) - Classes located at Hughes, Calvery, Ney Ave & Kernan
Neighborhood Center / (315)272-2600 / 624 Elizabeth Street & 615 Mary Street
North Utica Senior & Pre-K Ctr. / (315)724-2430 / 50 Riverside Drive
Notre Dame Elementary / (315)732-4374 / 11 Barton Ave
Thea Bowman House / (315) 735-6995 / 309 Genesee Street
Childcare Information
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Oneida County - Child Care Information http://cceoneida.com/child-care-council/find-child-care/help-paying-for-child-care
Call 1-888-814-KIDS or email earlycareandlearning@cornell.edu
UPK Supplemental Learning Activities
The Utica City School District is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace where unique backgrounds, identities and perspectives are recognized as strengths. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or genetic information.
We strive to provide equal access to employment opportunities and to foster a culture of respect and fairness for all employees. We support policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion throughout our community.
Title IX Coordinators:
Sara Klimek, Chief Human Resources Officer: (315) 792-2249
Steven Falchi, Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment: (315) 792-2228