The Rye YMCA’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program provides children ages 4–5 with a welcoming, supportive environment where they can learn, explore, build relationships, and prepare for kindergarten. Our classes are led by experienced, dedicated New York State-certified early childhood education teachers and aides who recognize and nurture each child’s individual strengths and potential.
Ages 4–5
Preparing for kindergarten
School Day
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Monday–Friday · 180 school days
Mamaroneck
St. John’s Lutheran Church
A Partnership with Families
We believe parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. Our program values strong family partnerships and offers opportunities for parents to connect with their child’s learning through classroom visits, group meetings, and parent-teacher conferences.
Learning Through Exploration
Every child develops at their own pace. Our approach recognizes each child as an individual, providing opportunities to discover interests, develop new skills, and build confidence. Small class sizes and a high adult-to-child ratio help support individual attention. Through self-directed activities, hands-on exploration, problem-solving, and special projects, children develop social skills, curiosity, and a love of learning.
Our Educational Goals and Curriculum
The Rye YMCA’s UPK program is designed to:
- Provide a comprehensive, child-centered learning experience that responds to each child’s developmental needs and value family involvement.
- Help children enter kindergarten feeling confident, enthusiastic about learning, and ready for success.
- Follow the New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards utilizing the Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum.
- Incorporate Fundations for early literacy foundations and Heggerty for phonemic awareness, supporting strong early reading development.
- Work in partnership with local school districts to support a coordinated early learning experience.
A State-Approved Program
The Rye YMCA’s UPK program is approved by the New York State Education Department in collaboration with participating school districts and is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
How to Register
Contact your child’s school district for an application.
The district’s linked survey requests information about the program. Completing it does not register your child for UPK.
Once approved, your school district will notify the YMCA, who will contact you with registration and extended day options.
Program Details
Location
St. John’s Lutheran Church
122 Fenimore Rd
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
School Day Hours
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
5 hours per day · 180 days
Following the district calendar
Extended Day Hours
8:00–9:00 a.m.
Children can bring their own breakfast.
2:00–6:00 p.m.
Afternoon snack is provided by the Rye Y.
Extended-day care is parent-paid and optional.
For extended-day registration information, please contact Kathy Lynam.
UPK Frequently Asked Questions
In New York State, UPK is a state- and federally-funded prekindergarten program offered to families free of charge. Contact the Rye Neck school district to confirm residency and age eligibility. UPK entry is based on a lottery system, and not all families who register are guaranteed a seat.
Yes. Tuition for students selected through the lottery is fully covered by state and federal grants.
No. Families must provide transportation for their child. Students are expected to be dropped off and picked up at the designated start and end times.
No. Children must bring their own lunch.
Yes. Class size and staffing ratios are as follows: 1 teacher for every 8 children per OCFS regulations.
Yes. A before- and after-school program is available for UPK students. This extended-day care is parent-paid and optional.
The number of classes varies each year based on available space.