Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program

Rising Ground Preschools Reopening School Plan
As we work to ensure continued education and support for the children in our Ames Early Childhood Learning Center (Yonkers), where we provide UPK services, as well as our special education preschools – Brownell School (Bronx) and Children’s Learning Center (Manhattan) through Covid, please see the full reopening plan here or download the following documents for the 2020-2021 school year: our full reopening plan and addendum, our revised 2021-2022 reopening plan, our remote learning plan, internal contact tracing protocol, and a testing notification, as well as our 2021-2022 Full Reopening Plan in English and Spanish and our Code of Conduct in English and Spanish.

Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Learning

Being 4-years-old is a magical time. So much to learn and so many ways to learn it! At this age, children are eager to explore, create and absorb ideas. Our free Universal Pre-Kindergarten Programs provide a nurturing environment in which children develop their language, cognitive, physical and social skills — learning about the world, being creative, and letting their imaginations soar.

Our programs are child-directed, building on the curiosity of the children themselves. Creative exploration and access to a rich array of learning opportunities give our children pre-literacy skills and promote self-esteem, just what they need to succeed in school and in life. Children thrive in classes with high adult-to-child ratios. Our teachers use an evidence-based curriculum, the Creative Curriculum, that is child-centered, encouraging children to explore their world.

Extended Care

Children in our free Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs have the option to participate in our extended day program, which is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (7:30 a.m. in Yonkers), in support of working parents’ schedules. The sliding scale fee for the extended day is based on family income and is open to all families, including those with ACS vouchers.

Program Features

• New York State Certified Teachers
• Teacher assistants in every classroom
• Use of the evidence-based Creative Curriculum
• Spacious, well-equipped, modern facilities
• Indoor and outdoor play areas
• Field trips
• Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks

Family and Parent Support

• Opportunities for parents and families to come together with teachers and each other to learn, share, and participate in their children’s education.
• Services available to children and families in English and Spanish.
• Bilingual classrooms in some locations.