• UCS Young Fives Logo

    The Utica Community Schools Bridge to Kindergarten - Young Fives program provides young children additional time to prepare for a successful kindergarten and school experience. 

    The program fosters social, emotional, physical and academic development through a year of growth and discovery for children who need additional time for development and maturity before entering kindergarten. Students who take part in the Young Fives program will transition to traditional kindergarten the following school year. 

    The Young Fives program is a full day program offered to all parents. The Young Fives sites are located throughout the district to serve students who live in the surrounding community.   If your home school does not offer Young Fives, you are provided an opportunity to attend at one of the sites: Beck Elementary, Roberts Elementary, Flickinger Elementary, Dresden Elementary, Havel Elementary, Schuchard Elementary and Schwarzkoff Elementary.  Transportation will be provided for in-district residents. 

    This program integrates early childhood and beginning kindergarten standards to develop strong literacy, math and social-emotional skills necessary for success in Kindergarten. Students will be engaged in individual and group work with hands-on activities that support their unique developmental needs.  Students will receive Art, Media Center, Music, and Physical Education weekly.  

    In addition, students will have access to our food service program. Support services, such as Speech and Language, Social Worker, English Language Support, and Literacy Support will be provided to eligible students.  School-aged childcare will be available.

    Parents are an integral part of their child’s school experience.   Active communication between teacher and parents will be essential to meet the developmental needs of each child.  Home visits are an opportunity for the parent and teacher to work together to establish goals to ensure academic and social-emotional growth.

    The Young Fives program is designed for children who meet some of the following criteria:

    • Birthdate between September 1, 2018 – December 1, 2018
    • Children who need one more year of language, social and/or academic development
    • Limited English proficiency
    • May not have participated in a preschool experience

    Registration Information
    Parents should begin the registration process by selecting "kindergarten" as the grade level for enrollment, and then select "yes" when asked whether they want to pursue the Young Fives Program for their child.

    You can register for kindergarten at this link

    Schools of Choice families - If you currently reside outside of Utica Community Schools and have not yet applied for enrollment through Schools of Choice, please complete the form at this link. 

    For more information, please contact questions@uticak12.org.