• 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.

     

    2026-2027 School Year:

    PK3: DOB 12/2/2023 – 12/1/2022

    PK4: DOB 12/2/2022 – 12/1/2021

     

    How to Register?

    Visit www.rocprek.org and click on the PreK 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)

    • An 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 a CPSE evaluation/meeting? (Preschool Special Education services)

    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 do fill up quickly. New students are offered available seats and may be put on wait-lists 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 offer wraparound care?

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

     

    Are students in Community-Based Organizations receiving the same education as those enrolled 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.

     

    Can I pick up my child early from program a few days a week?

    PreK operates just like a school classroom. Parents commit to sending their child to school for the complete instructional day, every day. Strive for Five!

     

    Can I bring lunch for my child?

    PreK Programs provide two complete nutritional meals, breakfast and lunch. Local schools/sites may set policies regarding bringing food to school. If your child has identified special food requirements, contact your PreK provider for individual guidance.

     

    What is “excessive” in regard to the tardy/early dismissal policy?

    Chronic tardiness is defined as late arrival or early departure more than once per week.

     

    How do I know who offers Pre-K in my area?

    Please visit our website, www.rocprek.org, for the current list of available programs. You may also contact the PreK Placement Team at prek@rcsdk12.org or 585-262-8140 to discuss the options.

     

    The PreK program(s) that I want are full. What do I do now?

    Your student has been automatically added to the waitlists for your preferred programs. You may discuss available programs or request to be added to additional waitlists by email, prek@rcsdk12.org, or phone, 585-262-8140. The PreK Placement Team will reach out to you if a seat becomes available and your student is next on the waitlist.

     

    Is transportation provided for PreK?

    Most programs do not have transportation. The program where your student is enrolled can provide a monthly RTS (public bus) pass upon request. The pass is transferable and the student rides free with the adult holding the pass.