Targeted
Prekindergarten (871)
Roberta Matthews, Director, 867-2056
Kim Conley - Principal

A primary goal of the Targeted Prekindergarten is to provide a quality program to three and four year old income eligible children so that they can successfully transition to kindergarten. In order to be eligible for Targeted Prekindergarten several factors are considered including income and family circumstances. The program is funded 89% by a state grant and the remainder by local school district funds. The program is free to parents.

Our programs provide:
• Access to NYS certified professionals
• Opportunities for Intellectual, Social and Physical Development
• Successful transition to Kindergarten
• Improved academic success
• Strong Parent Participation

The Prekindergarten Program offers comprehensive services to over 180 families. Vision and hearing screenings, referrals to public health clinics for immunizations and lead screening are an integral part of these services.

A Parent Advisory Council is formed at the beginning of the school year in each district and meets monthly to help set up field trips, plan special occasions, and advise the staff of family concerns.

Currently centers are located in Dolgeville, Herkimer, Mohawk, Van Hornesville, and the Administrative Center located at 111 S. Main St. in Herkimer. All of the prekindergarten programs address the New York State Learning Standards and allow for developmentally appropriate programming for young children.

Special Education Integrated Preschool (870)

Five state education approved integrated programs are part of our preschool program offerings. The classes are located at Remington Elementary School in Ilion, Fisher Elementary in Mohawk, Benton Hall in Little Falls and at Dolgeville Elementay School, Herkimer Elementary and Herkimer Head Start. By combining the resources of preschool special education as well as the Targeted Prekindergarten and Universal Prekindergarten we are now able to serve preschool children with disabilities in integrated settings. In order to qualify a child must have a formal evaluation by an approved evaluation team. This evaluation is then reviewed by the local district's Committee on Preschool Special Education to see whether the child warrants placement in a special education program.

Universal Prekindergarten (869) and (867)

Herkimer BOCES is facilitating the state-funded Universal Prekindergarten classes for the Frankfort-Schuyler and West Canada Valley Central School Districts.

Eligible children must be 4 years old and a resident of the school district. This program is state funded and free to parents.