The Department of Education is holding borough by borough information sessions for parents with kids in universal pre-kindergarten programs, known as UPK. The goal is to help parents engage and support their child's learning and rather long range,  to "discuss ways in which families can help lay a solid foundation in preparing children for college and career." 

Along with information on Common Core standards, learning strategies and curriculum, there will be practical help with the elementary school application process.  Unfortunately, the December sessions begin after the final date to sign up gifted and talented testing, so a key element of the process will be missing. However, if the timeline follows last year's, general applications won't be due until March, so there's plenty of time to learn about the rest of the system.

UPK family forums will be held three times during the school year and each session will address a different topic. So far only the first session dates and locations are posted on the Education Department's website.  Questions? Contact earlychildhood@schools.nyc.gov or 212‐374‐0351.

Oh, and there will be door prizes raffled at each site.