Pre-K: The Woodson School

What is Universal Pre-K?  Universal Pre-K is a movement to provide quality preschooling to all 4 year olds regardless of income. It is a state funded program as opposed to a federally funded program like Head Start. The UPK program was created in response to parents who are looking for programs that are not only safe, but will nurture and help their preschoolers develop traits needed for kindergarten.

The Woodson School of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany operates at three locations including the Thomas O’Brien School of Science and Technology (TOAST), Philip Schuyler/School 16, and the Club’s Delaware Avenue Unit.

Founded in 1995, the Woodson School is named for Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), an educator who is remembered as the “Father of African American History.”  The cornerstone of the Woodson School is the basic proposition that education must do more than impart information.  It must, in the words of Dr. Woodson, “provide individuals with the skill to do for themselves.”

In 2004 and 2005, The Woodson School, received a five star rating from the Child Care Programs of Excellence.  The rating program is administered by Cornell University, Department of Policy Analysis and Management, and the NYS Child Care Coordinating Council.

To learn more or to receive an application for the Woodson School Universal Pre-K program, please contact Mr. Keyon Young, Director of Operations at the Club at 518-462-5528 ar email at youngk@bgcalbany.com.