Preschool Programs

For the upcoming 2023-24 school year, the Niskayuna Central School District will launch a Universal Prekindergarten Program in partnership with the Schenectady Jewish Community Center (SJCC). This program will provide a free high-quality, developmentally appropriate education for 4-year-olds to prepare them for kindergarten. The program will be located at the SJCC on Balltown Road in Niskayuna. More information about the program, registration and lottery process can be found on our website.

The NCSD/SJCC Pre-K program is open to families residing in the Niskayuna Central School District with children who will be four years old by December 1, 2023. Income eligibility is not a factor; all families are encouraged to apply.

Entrance to the program is through a lottery drawing and limited spots are available.


Niskayuna schools provide a variety of programs and resources to help preschoolers discover the joy of learning at an early age. 

Preschool Timeline

See a list of programs available to your child from birth to age 5

Preschool Story Hours

All Niskayuna elementary schools offer free preschool story hour programs during the school year for children entering kindergarten next fall. Programs are held at the elementary school buildings and include a variety of stories and activities. Contact your elementary school’s main office for more for specific dates and times.

1,000 Book Club

The 1,000 Book Program is open to all district preschoolers, but is geared toward 4-year-olds. The program allows families to borrow a bag with 10 fun, age-appropriate books to read to their preschoolers. Once finished, families return the bag to school and may borrow another bag of books. Bags may be picked up and dropped off before, during of after school.

The goals of the program are to: 

  • Provide quality literature readily available for preschoolers and their families so that each child will have heard 1,000 stories before he/she comes to school.
  • Help children develop a lifeltime bond with reading and books.
  • Provide incentives for families to reach with their children.
  • Foster a positive connection between home and school.

For more information, contact your child’s future elementary school.

Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)

The district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) is responsible for ensuring that parents are aware of the opportunities available for evaluation of children 3-5 years old who are suspected of having a disability, and for services to preschool children with disabilities. The committee consists of representatives from preschool special education agencies, county administrators, parents and district staff. All recommendations for services are made to the Board of Education. If you have concerns about your child’s development, or would like more information, call (518) 382-2525  x50738  or e-mail smonson@niskyschools.org.