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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 4 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 partners with YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester to host the program off-site.

Where would this be located?
The program will be housed at Holy Rosary Church in Hawthorne, New York. 

What age group is this for? 
The Universal Pre-K 4 Program is for children born between December 2, 2020 and December 1, 2021.

Is enrollment open to students who are delaying the start of kindergarten?
No. The program is only available for children born between December 2, 2020 and December 1, 2021.

How many spots are available?
Last year we received state funding for 116 spots. We anticipate similar funding for the 2025-2026 school year.

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 is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

Who may attend the before and after care program?
Only students enrolled in the Mount Pleasant CSD Pre-K 4 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 4 program from 9 a.m. -2 p.m.

Are the Universal Pre-K 4 hours flexible?
No.  All students in the program must attend from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Will transportation be provided?
No.

Will food or beverages be provided?
No.

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 2025?
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?

  • The online Pre-K-4 Pre-Enrollment period will begin on Monday, January 20, 2025 and end on January 31, 2025. 
  • The Registrar will connect with pre-enrolled families no later than February 6, 2025 to ensure all documentation has been submitted.
  • If needed, there will be a lottery selection process on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 10 a.m.  
  • The lottery will be live-streamed via Zoom. The lottery will be conducted fairly and transparently, with all eligible children having an equal chance of being selected. Families will be notified of the lottery results in a timely manner. Slots must be accepted by Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

How will I know if I have secured a slot for my child?
The District Registrar will email families who have been offered a slot by Friday, February 21, 2025 to set up an in-person registration meeting to review original  registration documents. 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 for Mount Pleasant CSD's Universal Pre-K 4  is Zena Nunez, Director of Universal Pre-K 4.
znunez@ymca-cnw.org 
(914) 804-3017