The Rockville Centre School District’s universal prekindergarten program continues to grow, providing a nurturing foundation for its youngest learners through an inquiry-based curriculum, family engagement, and strong community partnerships.
Operating across two campuses—the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside and the John A. Anderson Recreation Center—the program serves 87 students. It remains a cornerstone of the district’s early childhood education efforts.
The district began offering universal pre-k at the Friedberg JCC three years ago, marking the program’s first availability. This milestone was a significant win for all Rockville Centre School District families. Unique features such as a bike room, indoor swimming facility, and before- and after-care services make the JCC a supportive, flexible option for families.
This school year, the UPK program further expanded with the addition of two classrooms, providing space for 32 students at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center. Made possible by an inter-municipal agreement with the Village of Rockville Centre and an expansion grant, the Rec Center provides a state-of-the-art inclusive playground, tumble room, and creative exploration spaces to enhance the prekindergarten experience.
“This is our first year at the Rec Center, and we hope to continue growing,” Marie Dalton, assistant superintendent for special education and pupil personnel services, said “We value the opportunity to provide our youngest learners with strong foundational skills for kindergarten and beyond.”
Dalton explained that the district and JCC would continue considering options for growing the program at the Recreation Center.
The UPK curriculum is aligned with New York State Early Learning Standards and focuses on hands-on learning to build kindergarten readiness. Instructional tools like Heggerty Phonemic Awareness and Fundations help strengthen literacy skills by focusing on phonics, listening, rhyming, and sound recognition. Nursery rhymes and visual storytelling add an engaging layer to early literacy development.
“We’ve worked hard to create a cohesive curriculum that unites our multi-campus UPK program,” Trici Broderick, a reading specialist who helped develop the curriculum, said. “Our year-long curriculum map ensures consistency and meaningful learning experiences for all students.”
Inquiry-based learning is prioritized, with math and science problem-solving centers and art projects tied to monthly themes like generosity and community. Physical development also remains a priority, with bike safety lessons, outdoor play, and movement-based activities fostering coordination and confidence.
“A unique aspect of the UPK program is using personalized Badge Books, where students earn stickers for achieving milestones,” said Orly Gadon, director of student services for the UPK program.
The Badge Books allow students to set goals for themselves and participate in learning by tracking such milestones, such as counting to 10, reciting the alphabet and putting on a jacket. Parents also receive companion guides to help extend their child’s learning at home.
“We are fortunate to have these students at the youngest levels,” Dalton said. “It’s invaluable to support families and build these early skills. We’re committed to expanding options for early childhood care.”
Dalton also highlighted partnerships with Molloy University, which allow student teachers to gain hands-on experience in pre-k classrooms.
“Our partnerships will offer future educators the opportunity to earn pre-K through 6th-grade certification while working directly in the classroom,” Dalton noted. “This hands-on experience strengthens their teaching skills and deepens their connection to the district.”
The Rockville Centre UPK program sets the stage for lifelong learning while fostering strong bonds between students, families, and the district through its thoughtful curriculum, dedication to family and community engagement, and plans for continued expansion.
“We are already seeing the impact of the UPK program on our kindergarteners who entered the district’s kindergarten class,” Dalton said. “They are coming in school-ready, with enhanced socialization skills and budding early literacy skills.”