Prekindergarten (PreK)

About

Prekindergarten is a New York State funded program designed for 4-year-olds, not eligible for kindergarten. Each year Webster CSD invites eligible children who reside in the district to apply. For the 2026-2027 school year, your child must be 4 years old by 12/1/26 to be eligible for PreK. If you have questions about your child’s age and eligibility for PreK, please utilize our school age calculator. 

 

The district is pleased to be able to offer our community multiple options for PreK, including full-day (five hours) and half-day (2.5 hours) options. Transportation is not part of this state-funded program and must be provided by the family. Linked here is a list of frequently asked questions from New York State.

 

• Full day program (M-F, 5 hours/day) housed in all seven of Webster CSD’s Elementary Schools and both Thomas & Schroeder High School. 
  
  Full Day with wrap care provided with our community based childcare partners. Wrap-around care is a Monday-Friday commitment and will have a cost to the family, set by the facility. Our community partners for the 26-27 school year will be announced at a later date.
   

• Half day program (M-F, 2.5 hours/day) with our community based partner - STARS preschool.

 

Placement locations are determined by the lottery and according to the child’s home catchment for kindergarten. 

 

Our PreK program operates five days a week (Monday through Friday) and follows the Webster CSD School Calendar. When Webster K-5 students have a day off, PreK students do not attend school.

 

Our dedicated teachers utilize a play-based curriculum to build essential social and emotional foundations. A key focus is on developing strong communication skills, ensuring every student can confidently find their voice, setting them up for success as they transition to kindergarten the following year!