Office of Early Learning UPK Newsletter banner with fall leaves

Fall Edition: 2025-2026 Program Year

Important Dates and Deadlines:
Important Reminders text over fall leaves



  • 2025-2026 Prekindergarten Application and FS-10 due date has passed. For guidance on how to fill out the 2025-2026 Prekindergarten Application please see our Prekindergarten Application Webinar or contact your OEL liaison directly.


  • October 2025: SUFDPK/VRNSK monitoring season begins. LEAs being monitored by the Office of Early Learning in the 2025-2026 project year will be contacted directly by their OEL liaison in the fall.


  • January 2026: Finalize RFPs for collaboration with eligible agencies and post publicly if not already collaborating at 10%.



 

Help Us Improve - Your Voice Matters!


The Office of Early Learning provides technical assistance to grades P-3 in New York State. We greatly value your feedback and insight.


Please take a moment to let us know what support from the Office of Early Learning looks like to you!
Take Our Feedback Survey
image of the New York State Education building
 
Navigating PreK Day 2026 Save the Date Thursday May 7 2026 Albany NY
 
Red flag that says Help and the text RFP Guidance

RFP Guidance for School Districts Running UPK


Education Law 3602-e(5)(e) requires school districts to set aside, at a minimum, 10% of their allocation to collaborate with eligible agencies to provide prekindergarten instructional services. The Office of Early Learning has created a guidance document to help school districts develop a process that ensures fair and open competition when seeking eligible agencies to collaborate with for prekindergarten programming. Using a Request for Proposal (RFP), the district should detail every aspect of the requirements of a proposed prekindergarten program. Districts can refer to 8 CRR-NY 151-1.6 for a detailed description of the Regulations of the Commissioner regarding the competitive process requirements.
RFP Guidance Document
 

PreK to Kindergarten Transition


It's never too early to think about the prekindergarten to kindergarten transition! The Office of Early Learning has put together some great resources and ideas for how to make the move from prekindergarten to kindergarten smooth for students, families, and teachers.

PreK to K Transition Webpage
Supporting the PreK to K Transition
 

Office of Early Learning

2025-2026 Webinar Series



As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, the Office of Early Learning is excited to offer a new series of webinars designed to strengthen and enrich early childhood education across our schools. This year’s sessions will explore key topics including cultural connections in early learning, the transition from prekindergarten to kindergarten, and utilizing learning centers in the early education classroom.


These webinars are intended to provide practical strategies, valuable insights, and meaningful resources to support educators and school leaders in nurturing successful early learning experiences.


Be sure to mark your calendars and register for these upcoming sessions! Check out our Early Learning Webinar Series webpage for more information.


P-3 Cultural Connections

Wednesday, November 12th 3-4PM

Register on Zoom for the P-3 Cultural Connections webinar


Transition from Prekindergarten to Kindergarten

Wednesday, February 4th 3-4PM

Register on Zoom for the Transition from PreK to K webinar


Learning Centers for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten

Wednesday, May 13th 3-4PM

Register on Zoom for the Learning Centers for PreK and K webinar
 
school bus with kids and the text prekindergarten attendance

Prekindergarten Attendance Matters!


Regular attendance in prekindergarten is essential for building the academic and social-emotional foundation young children need to thrive in school and beyond. In these early years, students develop critical skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving, while also learning routines, forming relationships, and gaining confidence. Given prekindergarten is non-compulsory in New York State, families may not always be aware of the significant long-term benefits of consistent participation.
Attendance Matters Webpage
 
calculator

PreK Fiscal Guidance Handbook


The 2025-2026 Office of Early Learning Fiscal Guidance Handbook is now available for download. This document will help guide the reader through the FS-10, FS-25, FS-10A, and FS-10F process. It also includes information on M/WBE for SUFDPK grantees, a calendar of important dates and deadlines, as well as a funding stream graphic organizer.
2025-2026 Fiscal Guidance Handbook
 
pbs kids logo

PBS Learning Media Prekindergarten Resources


Did you know PBS Learning Media has free, fun, and educational resources just for PreK? Explore videos, games, and hands-on activities aligned to state and national standards designed to spark curiosity and support early learning—perfect for home or the classroom! 
PBS Kids Learning Media
 

Helpful Resources/Professional Development:
 
new regulations for toileting and diapering

Proposed Regulations Relating to Statewide Protocols for Diapering and Toileting


Proposed regulations regarding Statewide protocols for diapering and toileting were recently presented to the Board of Regents. These regulations will establish uniform statewide protocols for diapering and toileting of students in public schools. Additionally, they will require districts to provide students and staff with safe and accessible equipment, supplies, and facilities for diapering and toileting. It also defines basic procedures to promote a safe and healthy environment. 


A Notice of Proposed Rule Making was published in the State Register on September 24, 2025, for a 60-day public comment period. Supporting materials are available upon request to the Secretary of the Board of Regents. Public comment can be sent to regcomments@nysed.gov.


Until the regulations are put forth for final approval in January 2026, districts can review the 2023 Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Guidance for Supporting Toilet Learning memo.
 
Office of Early Learning We Want to Highlight Your Classroom! We're Looking for Exceptional Classrooms to Cover in Upcoming Newsletters. Email your submission to OEL@NYSED.GOV See Additional Details Below
 

UPK Classroom Spotlight Opportunity


The Office of Early Learning is looking for best practices from districts, CBO, and Direct Contract Agency UPK classrooms to spotlight throughout the year. If you are interested in sharing a success story in any of the following areas, please submit your story via email to the Office of Early Learning at OEL@nysed.gov.


  • Learning centers
  • Theme integration
  • Building classroom community
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Kindergarten transition
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the UPK classroom
  • Anything the district is inspired to share with the field


You will need to include the following information in your submission:


  • Subject: UPK Spotlight Submission
  • Local Education Agency Name
  • Teacher Name
  • Photo of the best practice in action (please do not include student or teacher faces in photos)
  • 1-2 paragraphs describing the best practice and highlighting any results since its implementation.


We look forward to hearing from you!


 
New York State Education Department Office of Early Learning logo

Erik Sweet, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning

Lori Smart, Director

Tanya Amodio-Kovacs, Supervisor

Paulette Coppin, Supervisor

Vicky Woods, Supervisor

Grace Bombard, James Bordis, Samantha Chobot,

Lauren Cosamano, Carly Feldman,

Eric Feml-Nelsen, Jason Gish, Meghan Hooley,

Tiffany Koo, Noelle Lake, Christine Lyons, Chloe Ng,

Terry Onofrio, Brandon Orszulak, Madison Ramnes,

Amanda Rodriguez, Tina Rose-Turriglio, Christina Ryan,

Rachel Schlude, Greg Shaw, Michelle Sidoti,

Zak Snyder, Megan Tobiasen
 

New York State Education Department | The University of the State of New York | Albany, NY 12234 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact