Enroll Today!

Serving Children Since 1857
RCN’s South Wedge location is situated on just over 4 acres of scenic land in the South Wedge neighborhood of the City of Rochester. Our secure 24,000 sq. ft. facility boasts newly renovated outdoor play areas, a courtyard sensory garden, and 10 classrooms.  Click below to contact our enrollment team or call 585-473-2858 ext 225 for more information.

Tuition and Fees

Rochester Childfirst Network is committed to offering high quality affordable childcare for families in our community.

Please contact RCN for information regarding childcare tuition, making payments, and discounts for RCN’s programs.

Funding Assistance

If you require assistance to pay for child care, there are community resources available to help families in need. You may be eligible for child care funding through Monroe County.

Please visit the Monroe County website for Day Care assistance to learn more.

Questions and Help Enrolling

If you have any questions, please contact our enrollment team at 585-473-2858. You can also visit our contact us page.

Enrollment Forms

The forms below will need to be completed before your child is enrolled at RCN. You may fill these out and email them to enrollment@rcn4kids.org if you wish. Otherwise, they may be filled out at RCN.

Who is eligible to enroll for Universal PreK (UPK)?

Any child who turns 3 or 4 years old on or before December 1st and is a resident of the city of Rochester is eligible to enroll for UPK.

What is the difference between UPK and EPK?

The Rochester City School District uses these terms to differentiate between the program for 3- and 4-year-olds. Expanded Pre-Kindergarten (EPK) is the program for 3-year-olds and the Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) is the program for 4-year-olds. Typically, you will hear “UPK” as the general term for these two programs. 

Who teaches the Universal Pre-K programs?

Staff includes one to two early childhood teachers and one assistant teacher. A concurrent special education program operates within many of our UPK classrooms  The special education teacher, special education assistant teacher and assigned therapists participate to provide individualized educational programming to children with special needs. Staff-child ratio is maintained according to all relevant regulating bodies.

What curriculum is used to teach UPK?

The HighScope Curriculum is a child-centered, play-based educational model driven by children's natural curiosity and development. A focus on social emotional learning is embedded throughout the curriculum and classroom routines. We strive to foster positive self-concepts and feelings of worth, as well as celebrating the joy in each child’s accomplishments. (www.highscope.org).

Does my child need to attend UPK daily? Does my child need to attend from 9:00-3:00?

Children's success at school begins with attendance, and they learn and grow best at school when they attend on a regular basis. Attendance is reported to and recorded by RCSD. Children should attend programming daily from 9:00-3:00 unless there are excused absences. 

Does my child need to be potty-trained to participate in UPK?

Potty Training is part of a preschool-aged child’s development. RCN will work with families to support the development of this skill. Being potty trained is not a requirement to attend UPK.

Will my child take a nap during the day?

UPK classrooms incorporate a rest period after lunch. The children will be provided with a cot and an opportunity to rest their bodies. A nap is not required, but Rest Time is part of the daily routine. 

What if I have concerns about my child’s development?

UPK enrollment includes free vision, hearing, speech, and gross motor screenings. RCN also staffs certified Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and a Physical Therapist. All concerns should be addressed with the classroom teacher who can support you in determining next steps. 

Book a Tour

Please register using our form below if you’re interested.

Name

Email

Phone

Child Name

Child Age

How did you hear about us?

Additional Comments / Questions