Kids Express Learning Center/Achievements has been awarded a grant by the New York State Education Department to offer Statewide Universal Full-Day Prekindergarten (UPK) at the Maplewood School in Watervliet!

Kids Express is a private, Community Based Organization (CBO), and is recommended for children who were not chosen for their school districts UPK through their lottery system. This is also a great opportunity for children who reside in school districts that do not offer UPK!

We can take applications from ALL Districts.

Kids Express is the only private preschool in the Capital Region that was awarded a grant to run UPK programs as a standalone CBO. UPK programs are funded through New York State, there is no cost to families!

Any child turning 4 years old by December 1st of 2024 is eligible for our 5 hour UPK program. After Care may be available.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (518) 328-0430, email KidsExpressInfo@gmail.com!

Kids Express Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Coloring
Kids Express Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Counting
Kids Express Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) White Board
Our Application Deadline for the 2024-2025 School Year will be in the late spring. If we do not receive your child’s application by Friday, May 3rd deadline, your child’s application will be placed on the waiting list.


As outlined in the New York State Regulations, the selection process for Universal Pre-K is a randomly selected lottery.
The Lottery Selection for the 2024-2025 School Year will be held on Tuesday, May 7th.


Families who applied for our UPK program for the 2024-2025 School Year will be notified by telephone or email if they are selected for the UPK program or if they will be placed on our waiting list.