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Early Learning

The Office of Early Learning provides oversight and technical support to school districts in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and policies related to educating students in prekindergarten to third grade that are aligned with the NYS Board of Regents Early Childhood Policy.

Universal Prekindergarten (UPK)

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Applications
Funding, Forms, & Important Dates
Data
Directory of Programs

Regulations and Guidance

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Laws & Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Diapering and Toileting
Field Memos and Guidance

Voluntary Registered Nursery Schools and Kindergartens

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Becoming an Early Education Provider
Registration Process
Forms
Directory of Programs

Resources (Birth - Grade 3)

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Supporting Special Populations
Professional Development
Resources for Educators & Families
Newsletters

Recent News

July 13, 2026
The Office of Early Learning 2025-2026 Highlight Reel
2025-2026 Office of Early Learning Highlight Reel
June 29, 2026
2026-2027 TPK Allocation and Application
June 23, 2026
2026-2027 UPK Child Counts Reporting Guidelines for Reporting UPK Children in the Student Information Repository System (SIRS)
Newsletters
Contact Us

Featured News
June 20, 2025
2024-2025 State-Administered PreK Final Report Webinar

The 51·çÁ÷ State Administered Prekindergarten Final Report Webinar 2024-2025 provides guidance and support for accurate completion and timely approval of the 2024-2025 NYS Prekindergarten Final Program Report.

April 17, 2026
Six Schools Pilot the Science Everywhere Bird Nests Exploration
Schools in Buffalo City SD, Geneva City SD, Elmira Heights CSD, Lake George CSD, Questar BOCES, and Longwood CSD offered to pilot the Bird Nests Prekindergarten Scientific Exploration. OEL has shared their photographs, activities, and feedback.
February 11, 2026
NYSED Literacy Resources Flyer
The 51·çÁ÷ has released a Literacy Resources Flyer to compile recent literacy resource links into one document.