New York expands free Pre-K to over 400 school districts

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an expansion of free Pre-K programs across New York State, adding new seats to more than 400 school districts for the 2026-2027 school cycle. This initiative is part of a broader state goal to establish universal Pre-K for all four-year-old children.

The expansion includes thousands of new seats immediately, with tens of thousands more expected in the coming years. In the Finger Lakes region, 42 districts—including Rochester, Greece, Penfield, and Webster—will benefit from the additional availability.

Eligibility for the Universal Pre-K (UPK) program is primarily based on age and residency rather than income. To qualify, children must typically be four years old by December 1 of the corresponding school year or meet specific district-defined cutoff dates. Participation remains voluntary for parents.