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FAQs

Mount Pleasant CSD Universal Pre-K 4 Program
Frequently Asked Questions

How is this being funded?
The program is being funded via State Aid through an allocation from the New York State Education Department to the Mount Pleasant Central School District specifically for offering a Pre-K program to 4-year-old children. If the program is not offered, the money would remain with the State.

Will this cause our taxes to increase?
No, we do not anticipate any impact to the tax rate as a result of our offering this Pre-K program.

Would this program be run by the Mount Pleasant Central School District?
District staff will oversee the implementation of the program and design of the curriculum. However, the District will partner with a third-party provider to host the program off-site.

Who is the provider?
We expect the provider to be YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester

Where would this be located?
We anticipate that the program will be housed at Holy Rosary Church in Hawthorne, New York

What age group is this for?
The program would be open to children turning 4 years old by December 1, 2024.  Children who turn 4 years old after December 1, 2023 are not eligible to participate in the 2023-24 school year.   

Is enrollment open to students who are delaying the start of kindergarten?
The program would be open to children turning 4 years old by December 1, 2024.  Children who turn 4 years old after December 1, 2024 are not eligible to participate in the 2023-24 school year.

How many spots are available?
Up to 112 and we anticipate being able to run seven classes with no more or less than 16 students in each class. 

Is my child guaranteed a spot?
No. Depending on demand, a lottery system might be necessary.

Would this be 5 days a week and follow the Mount Pleasant CSD schedule?
Yes; however, the hours of the program would be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What if I need to extend the hours?
Before and after care would be available through the provider at an additional cost as determined by the provider.

Would we be able to keep our current before/after care if selected?
Transportation is not provided in the Pre-K program.  Therefore, the parent/guardian is responsible for transporting their child to and from the Pre-K program.

Who may attend the before and after care program?
Only students enrolled in the Mount Pleasant CSD Pre-K program may participate in the before and/or after care programs.  Please note, there is a fee for the before and after care programs.  There is no fee for the Pre-K program from 9 a.m. -2 p.m.

Can we do less hours than are being offered?
No.  Any student in the program must attend from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Will transportation be provided?
No.

Will lunch be provided?
No.

Will a snack be provided?
Yes.

Would any IEP services take place at school?
Related Services would be provided as per CPSE recommendations.

Would you have a bilingual Spanish/English program?
No.

What is the curriculum?
Pre-K On My Way and Pre-K Fundations. Play and outdoor activities are incorporated into the day. 

Do children need to be potty trained?
In general, yes.  You may speak to the provider of the program about your child’s unique circumstances.

Will this be offered beyond 2024?
We hope to offer the program each year.  However, there is no guarantee that the Mount Pleasant Central School District will receive the same level of funding in subsequent years.

Why is the Mount Pleasant Central School District not offering this program in-house?
Providing the program in-house would far exceed the allocation being offered by the State Education Department. Additionally, the District’s school facilities do not have the space to accommodate an additional grade level.

What is the registration timeline?
Pre-Enrollment will open on Friday, January 12, 2024 and close on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 4pm. You will receive an email verifying the successful completion of your documents and confirming your successful Pre-Enrollment  no later than February 2, 2024. If a lottery is needed, it will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 10 a.m.  Slots must be accepted by Friday, February 9, 2024.

How will I know if I have secured a slot for my child?
You will receive an email notifying you if your child has secured a slot as well as an invitation to an Enrollment Verification Meeting by the close of business on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Students are not considered fully enrolled until they have had an in-person meeting at the District Office with our registrar to validate your original/personal documents. 

Where can I go for additional information?
You may visit the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester website at: https://ymca-cnw.org/universal-pre-kindergarten-program-upk/
The contact there is Margarita Pineiro, Director of Early Learning Childcare
mpineiro@ymca-cnw.org 
(914)949-8030 ext. 204