Q: What is the difference between “allocation” and “maximum grant payable”?

A: A district’s allocation is the maximum they can be reimbursed for their UPK grant should all slots be filled. The maximum grant payable is calculated based upon the number of slots filled as well as the number of instructional days (should it be less than 180 days). The maximum grant payable can be less than the maximum allocation available to the district.

Q: Are there specific budget forms that need to be submitted throughout the year?

A: Yes. All districts running a UPK program must submit an FS-10 to the Office of Early Learning when they submit their application. It is strongly encouraged that districts also submit budget amendments (FS-10-A) if there are changes in their budget prior to submitting their final budget expenditures (FS-10-F) to Grants Finance. Failure to submit an amendment could cause the district to be disallowed funding related to finance law. Forms and further information can be found at NYSED’s Grants Finance website.

Q: Is there a place to see what my maximum grant payable is based upon student enrollment?

A: Yes. The State Aid Unit in NYSED allows all districts to run their State Aid Management System (SAMS) output report. Each district receiving UPK funding can check their maximum grant payable by accessing their output reports.

Q: Our district is receiving new funding from the 2023 enacted budget on top of state-funds we already receive to run a state-funded prekindergarten program. Do we have to convert our half-day program to a full-day program with our old allocation?

A: No. Districts who have been receiving funding to run state-funded UPK programs for half-day programs do not need to convert those seats to full-day slots. Any new funding the district is receiving through the 2022-2023 enacted budget was intended for serving full-day 4-year-old students. However, under Education Law 3602-e, a district may convert no more than 30% of their full-day slots to half-day slots before incurring an overage penalty.

Q: If we serve more students than what our allocation is for, will the district get reimbursed additional funding?

A: No. Any seats that are filled beyond what has been allocated to the district are at the district’s own expense. A district cannot receive additional funding if they fill more slots than what they are allocated for.

Q: Is the district allowed to use all their UPK funding to contract out the entire program to eligible agencies?

A: Yes. There is nothing that prevents a district from entirely using eligible agencies to run a UPK program. However, the district would still have oversight of the program as the funding is awarded to the district and not the eligible agencies.

Q: What is the length of the project period for the UPK grant?

A: The project period runs from July 1 – June 30 of each year. For example, for the 2022-2023 school year, the project period will run from July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023. Districts are encouraged to make sure all budget amendments (FS-10-A) are submitted by July 8th.