Universal Pre-Kindergarten Providers' Association (UPKPA)

WHO ARE WE?: We are an organization founded by the former Contract Negotiating Committee of the CBO Network*. An interim board of directors was selected to enlist UPK Providers across NYC as dues paying members and to set the organization's policies and goals. Ms. Maggy Ames, legal counsel of the Inter-Agency Council provided initial guidance and support for the UPKPA. The interim Board of Directors has hired Joyce Cornes Glassman who brings considerable experience in contract negotiations with the DOE as the Executive Director to perform the many tasks needed to organize and strengthen our association.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To unite, coordinate and represent the interests of the NYC CBO UPK Providers, families and children served in community-based settings.

OUR GOALS: To create a united front for a variety of initiatives including negotiating a fair and equitable UPK contract with the DOE, citywide staff development and joint purchasing power for health insurance, goods and services. The UPKPA aims to operate as a member service organization, working to meet the needs and address the issues identified by its membership. By joining, you will have a say in what we set out to achieve.

OUR PLAN: With the help of Executive Director Joyce Cornes Glassman:
1. Collect and organize the data and information that define our issues
2. Convene various groups of CBOs to help define priorities
3. Design a political strategy to help us reach our goal of a fairly negotiated and equitably implemented UPK contract
4. Explore services and operate programs which will benefit the UPKPA's members

WHAT YOU MUST DO: Become a member of the UPK Provider's Association today and encourage other UPK Providers to join.

WHAT MEMBERSHIP MEANS TO YOU: As a member of the UPKPA you will benefit from the unified efforts to secure a UPK contract and standardized operating procedures that will protect the interests of community-based programs. We know that similar member organizations like IAC have successfully accomplished their goals by banding together in negotiating and working with the DOE. We believe we must do the same. The UPKPA will work to negotiate on behalf of its members.

Membership Dues

*(The CBO Network is a free member organization committed to advocacy for the UPK Program and will continue to act as a completely separate entity under the auspices of the Early Childhood Strategic Group led by Chuck Paprocki.)