Fulton reports growth in Universal Pre-K: 9 full-day classrooms last year, 157 enrolled for fall

Fulton City School District presented an update on its Universal Pre-K (UPK) program, noting sustained expansion and alignment with New York State early-learning requirements. Director of Early Childhood Education Mr. Gates traced the district’s UPK history back to 1998 and said the district added full-day UPK in the 2021–22 school year. He reported that the most recent school year began with nine full-day UPK classrooms and one half-day classroom, and that 156 students attended full day with a total of 165 students participating in UPK programming that year. Gates said the district receives a New York State allocation and the statewide Universal Full Day Prekindergarten grant (the district is in its second year of that grant), which requires an annual quality-assurance plan and a state visit. He reported that the state early-learning representative was “very pleased” during a recent visit. The district’s UPK curriculum, Gates said, aligns with New York State learning standards and the district uses Core Knowledge Language Arts and Heggerty, will move to Eureka Squared for math in September, and uses Second Step for social-emotional learning. Teachers used the state-released science investigation for pre-K and took students on related field trips. Gates said the district uses the Brigance screening and issues quarterly report cards; UPK teachers meet with families on the same schedule as K–12. He noted class-size experience: while the district can place up to 20 students, it prefers 16–18 and will aim for 16 this year; one classroom is set at 18. Mr. Gates listed community partners that host classrooms and help provide services: Little Luke’s, First Step Universal Pre-K, the YMCA, Oswego County Opportunities (Head Start) and Milestones for special education services. He thanked the Board, superintendent’s team, community partners, principals, transportation and food services for supporting UPK. Gates also reported that 157 students were registered and placed for the coming school year at the time of the presentation — up from 144 at the same point the prior year — and that the district offers professional development for UPK teachers, including a three-day UPK boot camp. Board members asked clarifying questions (for example, about how many students are in the half-day classroom); staff answered: 16 students are in the half-day class. No formal Board action on UPK funding or program changes was taken at the meeting.