Pre-K sign-up starting

Pre-K and kindergarten registration kicks off Thursday in Columbia County.

The lottery-funded pre-K program registration will be held at different times on various dates between Thursday and March 31. Parents should contact the school in which their children are zoned, or a nearby preschool offering the program, to find out the exact date and time for the registration.

Kindergarten registration will be held at all Columbia County elementary schools from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Thursday through March 31.

Like pre-K, children should register at the school in which they are zoned.

Zoning information can be located at the Columbia County schools Web site at www.ccboe.net.

Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to qualify for kindergarten.

To register, school officials will require a certified copy of the child's birth certificate; a Georgia certificate of immunization; Georgia certificate of eye, ear and dental examination; and proof of residency, which can be confirmed with a current utility bill.

Pre-kindergarten registration dates

Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 to participate in the lottery-funded prekindergarten program. The schedule for pre-K registration will be at the following elementary schools:

Thursday:

Bel Air Elementary School cafeteria, 9 a.m.

Westmont Elementary School cafeteria, 2 p.m.

Friday:

Brookwood Elementary School cafeteria, 9 a.m.

South Columbia Elementary School cafeteria, 2 p.m.

Monday:

Grovetown Elementary School cafeteria, 9 a.m.

Euchee Creek Elementary School gym, 1 p.m.

Tuesday:

Lewiston Elementary School cafeteria, 9 a.m.

North Columbia Elementary School cafeteria, 1:45 p.m.

Wednesday, March 29:

River Ridge Elementary School cafeteria, 9 a.m.

Martinez Elementary School cafeteria, 2 p.m.

Thursday, March 30:

Greenbrier Elementary School commons area, 9 a.m.

Evans Elementary School cafeteria, 1:45 p.m.

Friday, March 31:

North Harlem Elementary School cafeteria, 9 a.m.

Parents must register at the elementary school for which their children are zoned to attend.

Blue Ridge Elementary, Stevens Creek Elementary and Riverside Elementary parents and guardians, please note: students residing in the Blue Ridge Elementary zone will be included in the registration at Evans Elementary; students residing in the Stevens Creek Elementary zone will be included in the registration at River Ridge Elementary; and, students residing in the Riverside Elementary zone will be included in the registration at Greenbrier Elementary.

Blue Ridge Elementary, Stevens Creek Elementary and Riverside Elementary children will be offered placement on an equal basis with Evans Elementary, River Ridge Elementary and Greenbrier Elementary children.

To register to attend pre-K at a particular school, the child must reside with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in that school zone. Please bring the child's birth certificate for age verification, child's Social Security number, and proof of residence (gas, electric, water bill showing service address).

A lottery will be held to determine those who have the opportunity to participate. A waiting list will be maintained once the slots are filled. Representatives from child care centers may also be present at some schools to help place children who are not selected through the lottery in slots available at the private centers.

Registration will begin promptly at each school. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before the designated time is advisable to allow for differences in clocks. The doors will be closed at the designated time. Those arriving late may place their names on the waiting list. If possible, please do not bring young children.

- Vist our ABCs of Pre-School section