• PreK Parent Frequently Asked Questions

     

     

    Who qualifies for RCSD PreK?

    Children must be 3 or 4 by December 1st and residents of the City of Rochester.

    2024-2025 School Year:

    PK3 DOB 12/2/2020 – 12/1/2021

    PK4 DOB 12/2/2019 – 12/1/2020

     

    How to Register?

    Visit www.rocprek.org and click on the Pre-K Enrollment Application link. The application is available in English and Spanish. If you need assistance, please email prek@rcsdk12.org or call 585-262-8140. Parents may also visit Central Office for one-on-one help. Be sure to bring the required documents.

     

    What documents are required?

    • Child’s Birth Certificate or other proof(s) of age and guardianship

    • Photo ID of legal guardian

    • Proof of residency in the City of Rochester (with guardian’s name)

    • Immunization record and current physical are required to attend but not to register.

    Examples of acceptable documents can be found at www.rcsdk12.org/enroll under “What do I need to Register?” in the right, yellow menu. Families are encouraged to upload or email documents they think might work. We will connect with them if the document does not meet the requirements.

     

    What if the guardian is someone other than the biological parent?

    We need a court document, a foster care placement letter, or a CPS letter granting custody. 

    If the child is living with someone who does not have legal custody, a parental relationship may be established via DSS documents, tax records or health insurance showing the child is a dependent. A notarized letter from the parent may also be accepted. RCSD has an affidavit form and a public notary on staff to serve these families.

     

    How to request an evaluation/CPSE meeting? (Special education)

    A legal guardian must write a letter indicating the concerns. This letter may be submitted with the application or emailed directly to cpsereferral@rcsdk12.org. Guardians may follow up using that email address or by calling 585-328-5272.

    Is it too late to register?

    Never! However, certain programs fill quickly. New students are offered available seats and may be put on waitlists for preferred programs.

    Is it too early to register?

    Never! Families registering for the following school year will receive information about the lottery in the winter. Families of students in Early Intervention are encouraged to register six months ahead of their child’s third birthday to ensure a timely transition.

    Is potty training required?

    No. Our paraprofessionals are trained to assist with toileting.

     

    Do you speak Spanish?

    Yes! We have bilingual staff to assist with registration, and we offer bilingual PreK programs designed to assist with learning English while supporting continued Spanish education.

     

    Do PreK programs have transportation?

    Generally, no. Only select programs offer a school bus and most are limited by area, grade and/or total available seating. However, each program can provide a monthly RTS pass upon request. Your student rides free with you.

     

    Do PreK Programs have wrap care?

    Many of our community-based programs offer wrap care at cost or subsidy.

     

    Are students in community-based programs receiving the same education as those in school-based programs?

    Yes. All RCSD PreK programs use the High Scope curriculum and are supplied with the same materials. All teachers receive the same RCSD training and are supported by RCSD teaching coaches.

     

    What are the benefits of RCSD’s PreK Program?

    Our goal is kindergarten readiness. Students receive a full day of education (6 hours), where they form the foundations of literacy, math, science, and life-long learning. We guide them through social-emotional development, discovering and celebrating history, culture and diversity. Exploration is supported by field trips, culturally responsive books, and a backpack full of supplies. Our motto is ‘Play with Purpose!’

     

    In addition to educating the student, we support the family. We connect families to community and school programs, help families navigate the school system, and, of course, assist with kindergarten registration. “It takes a village to raise a child” and we ensure that families are part of our village.