What’s The Difference Between Universal Pre-K and Pre-Kindergarten?

Kudos to you, parents and guardians, for sifting through the Internet and the local community to compare and contrast

pre-kindergarten providers.

 

Exploring all options and opportunities for your budding and bright toddler will help ensure a strong learning

foundation. A question that surfaces often on this quest is, “what’s the difference between Universal Pre-K and pre-

kindergarten?”

“Every teacher my child has had from special education, general teachers and aides to his therapists have all been such champions for him!” – Holly M.

 

    “The curriculum they use and the dedication of the teachers to provide a great learning experience more than prepared my oldest with the skills needed to enter kindergarten.” – Megan M.

 

    “My 3-year-old looks forward to going to school every day. Activities such as yoga and karate are built right into the day. I’d recommend it to anyone!” – Melissa M.

Identifying the two programs’ different strengths can help your family select the best fit for your child.

 

What is Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)?

It’s a nationwide, government-funded effort to make pre-kindergarten education for 4-year-old children available at no

cost. UPK requirements and offerings vary from state to state. Note, UPK is different from Head Start, which is a

federally-funded program for economically disadvantaged families. In Central New York, UPK is typically 2.5

hours with a choice of mornings or afternoon classes and follow the school calendar for breaks.

 

Strengths:

- This option is free

- Most UPK runs five days per week from September to June and follows the school calendar

- Stimulates creativity and self-expression through the creative arts and creative play

- Develops critical thinking skills and social maturity essential for school success

- Offers a caring and safe environment

- Encourages pre-reading, pre-math, pre-science and pre-writing skills and concepts that are excellent preparation for kindergarten

 

 

Areas to Consider:

- As of July 2018, 39 states plus the District of Columbia offer some form of voluntary UPK, but not every child is eligible.

In order to be considered for UPK, the program must be offered to all children, no matter the circumstances. Currently,

Florida, Georgia and Oklahoma are the only states that offer UPK for all 4-year-old children

- Although some classroom instructors hold teaching certifications, education standards vary from school to school 

- Due to a lack of funding, not every county offers Universal Pre-Kindergarten for 3-year-olds yet

 

What is preschool?

Private, certified centers that focus on growing children’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development through

interactive lesson plans crafted by trained and experienced educators.

 

Strengths:

- Teachers are certified in early childhood education

- Encourages pre-reading, pre-math, pre-science and pre-writing skills and concepts that are excellent preparation for kindergarten

- Prekindergarten generates large long-term benefits relative to its costs

- Monday through Friday full time and half day options are available

- Stimulates creativity and self-expression through the creative arts and creative play

- Develops critical thinking skills and social maturity essential for school success

- Prekindergarten’s extracurricular activities allow children to discover and build through yoga, theater performance, dance, song and snowshoeing

- Meals are generally included

 

Areas to consider:

- Typically open during school vacation weeks but are often closed on major holidays and weekends with a specific set of hours

- Cost of center-based care (fees are paid on a weekly reoccurring basis)

- Age groups in separate rooms split up siblings for the day

- There may be a waiting list at top Central NY State childcare centers

 

    Choosing a pre-kindergarten or UPK provider for your child is a very personal and challenging decision. Reach out to Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Center to use one of our caring and experienced preschool experts as a sounding board for your child’s unique goals and concerns by emailing info@littlelukes.com or calling (315) 342-4600.

 

Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Center is a leading Syracuse daycare provider with five locations. The early education program includes credentialed staff that specializes in comprehensive infant, toddler and pre-kindergarten development. Additional services include pediatric speech therapy, pediatric physical therapy and pediatric occupational therapy.