Universal Pre-K at AACI

Written By Ginelle Hunter

Arlington Area Childcare Approved as an Act 166 Universal Prekindergarten Partner

We are excited to share an important milestone for our program and our community: Arlington Area Childcare, Inc. is now an approved Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) partner under Act 166.

This approval allows eligible preschool-aged children to receive up to 10 hours per week of publicly funded Prekindergarten education while remaining enrolled in our center-based program. UPK funding is designed to support families by offsetting the educational portion of tuition and expanding access to high-quality early learning.

Our UPK Partnerships

Arlington Area Childcare is proud to partner with:

  • Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union (SVSU)

  • Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union (BRSU)

Children who reside in towns within these supervisory unions may be eligible to participate in UPK at AACI. Families will work with both Arlington Area Childcare and their local school district of residence to complete enrollment steps.

What This Means for Families

  • Eligible children can receive 10 hours of Pre-K each week at no cost to families

  • Children stay in a familiar, nurturing, community-based setting

  • Families benefit from continuity of care and a smooth transition to kindergarten

  • Public education funds support high-quality early learning aligned with state standards

Our Approach to Prekindergarten

Our Pre-K program is play-based, relationship-centered, and developmentally appropriate, guided by the Vermont Early Learning Standards. We place a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, hands-on exploration, and meaningful interactions that support children’s growth across all developmental domains.

As a 4-Star quality-rated program, we are committed to maintaining high standards for curriculum, teaching practices, and inclusive, supportive environments. Our educators collaborate closely to ensure children feel safe, confident, and ready for kindergarten—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Next Steps

Families with preschool-aged children who are interested in UPK at Arlington Area Childcare are encouraged to reach out to learn more about eligibility, enrollment timelines, and required applications with their school district.

We are proud to partner with SVSU and BRSU to expand access to high-quality Prekindergarten and look forward to continuing this important work alongside our families and community.

Ginelle Hunter
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