Chautauqua Lake now offers full day universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) programming!

Like other districts in the area, Chautauqua Lake receives state grant funds to support UPK classrooms. In addition to providing in-district UPK classrooms, Chautauqua Lake also partners with Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center (CLCCC) to provide UPK services as required by state grant funds.  The district is required to send at least 10% of enrolled UPK eligible students to CLCCC. We are fortunate to have CLCCC housed in our elementary building, which also allows families to utilize them for wrap-around care (before and after school childcare). 

Who's eligible?

District resident students who will turn 4 yrs. of age by December 1st of 2024.

*Non-district resident students may be eligible through a tuition application, if spots are available (district resident students must be prioritized). Current school year tuition rate for full day pre-k is $2,700 per year. 

How do I register my child?

Registration packets are available in the district office. Families may also contact our Registrar, Dennie Stahlsmith, to request a registration packet by mail. Registration packets can be submitted at any time. Questions specific to student registration should be directed to Dennie Stahlsmith via phone (753-5910) or email (dstahlsmith@clake.org).

What time does school start & end? Is my child able to ride the bus?

Elementary doors open at 7:50AM; late bell rings at 7:57AM.  Dismissal begins with pick-ups between 2:45/2:50, followed by bussers.  Students are not permitted to ride the school bus until they turn 4 yrs. of age. Any transportation related questions should be directed to Jim Morrison or Lisa Gruber by calling 753-5901 or by emailing jmorrison@clake.org/lgruber@clake.org.

Does my child need to be screened prior to starting UPK? 

Students entering UPK are screened using the DIAL-4. Families are scheduled for a screening session at the elementary school in early August. Students are screened by our school psychologist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist. Results are shared with parents and used to appropriately place students.

What curriculum/assessment tools are used in UPK?

Both in-district and CLCCC UPK classrooms use The Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment Tool. All curriculum materials and screening/assessment tools are NYS recommended and address all applicable learning standards.  In addition, both Chautauqua Lake and CLCCC partner with QUALITYstarsNY.  QUALITYstarsNY is New York’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for early childhood programs, providing support and resources to improve and sustain high quality across New York State.