1
Schedule a Campus Tour (Recommended)
Before applying, we invite you to tour our school to experience our classrooms and meet our teachers. Please call (310) 397-2735 to make a morning appointment.
Joining our preschool family.
We welcome families of UCLA students, staff, and faculty, as well as non-UCLA affiliated Los Angeles community families. Below is everything you need to know about applying, tuition, waitlist timing, and daily classroom preparation.
How to Apply
4 Simple Steps to Enroll
Please review these steps carefully so your child's application is processed without delay.
2
Submit the $50 Application Fee
Your application process begins with submitting your $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Zelle: Send electronically to upns@ucla.edu
- Check: Payable to "UPNS" delivered to our office
- Cash: In person during business hours
3
Email UPNS for the Application Link
Once your application fee is submitted, please email upns@ucla.edu to receive our direct online enrollment application link and complete your family profile.
4
Acceptance & Enrollment Notification
When a space becomes available, we will notify you by phone. Within 1 week of notification, you must confirm your intent to enroll. Within 2 weeks, complete enrollment forms and submit the one-time $500 enrollment fee ($250 Registration + $250 Security Deposit).
Tuition & Fees
Program options & transparent fee schedule.
As a non-profit cooperative, our tuition covers teacher salaries and daily classroom operations. Fundraisers and parent workdays help keep our tuition reasonable.
Morning Half-Day Program
Contact office for current ratesMonday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Includes morning snack and lunchtime supervision. Co-op workday required once per month.
Full-Day Program
Contact office for current ratesMonday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Includes morning snack, lunch supervision, naptime, and afternoon snack. Co-op workday required once per month.
Waitlist Priority
All our programs have a waiting list. Your child's position depends on (1) when you applied, and (2) the date your child is ready to start. Families may decline a position and remain on the waiting list without losing priority.
What to Bring to School
UPNS provides all classroom learning materials, art supplies, and sensory tools. Please make sure all personal items are clearly labeled with your child's name:
- Photos: 1 family photo and 3 photos of your child
- Extra set of clothes (including underwear, socks, and shoes, clearly labeled)
- During winter: extra sweater or jacket
- During summer: water-play clothes (swimsuit, towel, water shoes)
- Full-day program: cot sheet or fitted crib sheet, pillow, light blanket, optional snuggle item
- Kitten Room children not yet potty trained: diapers and wipes labeled with child's name
What NOT to Bring
To keep our classrooms safe, peaceful, and inclusive, please leave the following items at home:
- Toys from home (unless requested by teacher for special sharing)
- Weapons or toy swords/guns of any kind
- Crocs or open-toed sandals without heel straps
- Cookies, candies, and sweet treats from home
🚽 Potty Training Policy
Potty training is NOT required to enroll in the Kitten Room (18 mos–3 yrs). Our teachers partner with you when your child is ready. Potty training is REQUIRED for Kangaroo and Dolphin rooms.
Admissions FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to common questions about admissions, waitlists, and co-op expectations.
Do I have to be affiliated with UCLA to enroll my child?
No. While UPNS was founded by UCLA families and proudly serves UCLA students, faculty, and staff, we warmly welcome non-UCLA affiliated families from the Los Angeles community.
How does the waiting list work?
All our programs have a waiting list. As vacancies occur, they are filled in order down the list based on when you applied and the date your child is ready to start. You may decline a spot and remain on the list without losing your priority.
🚽 What if my child is not potty trained yet?
Our Kitten Room (18 months–3 years) welcomes children who are not yet potty trained and supports diapering. Our Kangaroo and Dolphin rooms require children to be potty trained prior to enrolling in those classrooms.
What is the parent co-op commitment?
Each family participates in their child's classroom once per month (8:30am–12:30pm for morning sessions). Families also attend general meetings, participate in fundraising, and join quarterly Saturday school cleaning days or volunteer on a school committee.