February 2026
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Request for Proposal
Community agencies that desire to offer a pre-kindergarten program for four-year old children are asked to submit a written proposal and any required documentation that will support your proposal. The proposal shall include at minimum the following information from the eligible agency:
(1) a description of the services to be provided by the eligible agency; describe the current program design and your agency's experience in providing developmentally-appropriate programs;
(2) a detailed narrative which describes how the eligible agency proposes to meet the goals and objectives of the pre-kindergarten program as approved by the Board of Education or trustees in the universal pre-kindergarten program plan;
Early Literacy and Emergent Reading Programs:
Background knowledge
Phonological awareness
Expressive and receptive language Phonemic awareness
Assessment Process:
Valid and reliable assessment to inform instruction
Monitor program effectiveness
Support Services for Children and Families:
Integrating preschool children with disabilities
Transition from preschool to school age
(3) a description of the eligible agency's staff qualifications, staffing patterns, child-staff ratio, and administrative structure with copies of valid teaching license and certification;
(4) a budget of proposed expenditures for services rendered;
(5) documentation of all applicable health and safety codes and licensure or registration requirements;
(6) stability of staff in relation to average duration of employment, rate of turnover, and ability to fill vacancies in a timely manner;
(7) articulated mission/philosophy statements;
(8) records management and documentation procedures followed by the agency; and
(9) capacity and experience in serving children with disabilities.
Facilities Requirements
(a) All buildings, premises, equipment, and furnishings used for the universal pre-kindergarten program shall be safe and suitable for the comfort and care of the children, shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act and shall be provided and maintained in a state of good repair and sanitation.
(b) Buildings and classrooms operated by eligible agencies shall meet all applicable fire safety and building codes and any applicable facility requirements of a State or local licensing or registering agency.
(c) Morristown Central School District must conduct at least one site visit prior to entering into a contract.
Transitional Rules
All teachers serving eligible four-year-olds under this Part shall be required to have a teaching license or certificate valid for service in the early childhood grades pursuant to Part 80 of this Title by the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.
Please note that the New York State Education Department does allow the following flexibility regarding certification:
A change in statute in 2008 provided increased flexibility pertaining to the qualification of teachers in collaborating agencies. UPK teachers employed by an agency that is not required to be licensed or registered may meet the qualifications established by their employers. In both instances, if the UPK teacher is not certified, the teacher must have an education plan that will lead to obtaining NYS teacher certification for Birth – Grade 2 within five years. A certified, on-site education director is required to be present during the UPK session(s) until all UPK teachers at a collaborating agency site are certified.
Submit the request for proposal to by April 3, 2026:
Staci Vaughn, Superintendent of Schools
Morristown Central School District
408 Gouverneur Street
Morristown, NY 13664