Early Education Options Under Act 166

Act 166 of 2014 provides access to publicly-funded prekindergarten education for Vermont students. Enrollment and participation in Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) is a family choice. Attending a high-quality prekindergarten education program prepares your child for kindergarten and beyond. 

WCSU strives to provide high quality, effective prekindergarten instruction to all eligible students in our communities, and offers full day programs at all of our elementary schools at no additional out-of-pocket cost to families. Sometimes, though, families may find that our programs are not the right fit for their child, or don’t meet the needs of the family. Also, due to state regulated class size limits, often our programs reach capacity and cannot accept all applicants. In either case, in-district families can enroll their child in another Vermont public or private prequalified prekindergarten program, and the district will fund 10 hours per week of prekindergarten education for 35 weeks per year, following our school calendar.

How old does my child need to be to qualify for UPK?
Your child must be three, four, or five years old by September 1st of the year of enrollment, and not enrolled in kindergarten. UPK funding ceases upon a student’s sixth birthday.

Where can I find a UPK program for my child?
Search the prequalified providers list to find out what programs offer prekindergarten in your area.

What does UPK funding cover?
The district will cover 10 hours per week of prekindergarten education for 35 weeks, following the district’s school calendar. If your child attends beyond that, the family is responsible for covering the additional tuition. If you are enrolling your child in a community-based program, it is important to ask for your tuition responsibilities in writing.

How do I sign up?
If your child is going to attend a public school program in a different school district, that school will process your enrollment. If your child is going to attend a prequalified program in the community, you will need to enroll with the community provider.

How do I access the funding?
Whether your child attends a public school based program in a different district or a prequalified community program, you must complete our Prekindergarten Program Application. (BE SURE TO CHOOSE “private or out-of-district public program” to move to the funding application.) This will ensure tuition funding for your child’s 10 hours/35 weeks is sent to the program provider.