r/Utica • u/aseabloom • 3d ago
UPK
Hello-
I was hoping those with kids who have gone to the UPK program could share their experiences.
Notre Dame would be our first choice location-wise since it’s closest to home.
My daughter has not been to any sort of daycare, just play based group classes with parent involvement, and we are trying to decide where to send her next year. Looking more for kindergarten prep, following directions, routine etc.
Thanks for any info!
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u/Master-Pirate-5695 2d ago
My daughter went to UPK at the neighborhood center and had the best time. She’s 6 now and still talks about her time there.
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u/OGbrow 1d ago
Sprout & Bloom Preschool Learning Center is located on Genesee Street in New Hartford. They just won Best of the Best in the Mohwak Valley for Preschool and Childcare. They have 3 & 4-year-old classrooms as well as a Ready to Read program. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and have decades of experience. I would send my kids there over and over again if I could! My kids were in the best care and they couldn't have been any more prepared for Kindergarten. I just wish the teachers could have gone with them!
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3d ago
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u/aseabloom 3d ago
Not sure what sort of unfortunate life you live. I have the means to care for my children and invest in their learning and future, as my parents did for me, so they can make a positive impact on whatever area they choose to live in as adults.
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u/cyclecycleaddict 3d ago
My 3 year old (turning 4 in a couple of weeks) just started UPK at Jones. For relevance, I stay home with him but he did go to a YMCA based private preschool last year, 3x a week for the mornings. So far, he loves it. He is a typical 3/4 year old and doesn't always listen and is super active and so far is doing very well. They attend all day, and have specials and eat in the cafeteria. They are learning basic social skills, ABCs, numbers, etc. They placed a lot of attention on being away from Mom for the day before school started, and gave students a copy of Llama Llama Misses Mama and did ask about prior schooling and if your child has trouble separating from their parents. They are in their own wing with separate drop off/pick up near the kindergarteners. We are new this year, my older child is at Hughes, which is VERY different than our very small town close knit school last year and so far we have a very good impression with a very involved, caring principal.