Registration numbers way up for Bibb pre-K program

In the first year of a new registration process, the Bibb County pre-K program registered a markedly higher number of students.

Last year, 820 parents registered their 4-year-olds during a monthlong sign-up period. This year, that registration window was shortened to two weeks, but 1,030 children were signed up in hopes of getting one of the 792 slots.

"Because it was so easy for people to register," program Director Lori Smith said.

In years past, parents had to go through the full registration process before entering the lottery system, which included providing identification and proof of residence documents in person. For the 2016-17 school year, parents could register online, and only the families chosen for the program will need to provide documentation.

Smith said the new procedure was successful.

"I'd call it a 10," she said. "It's been great not having all the paperwork and all of that."

In addition, the old system had parents dropping off documents at a centralized location. Now, they'll be going to the school that their children will be attending.

Smith said the online application even allowed for more spontaneous registration when she was interviewed for local news programs.

"At times when I was on TV talking about it, we had a spike in people registering," she said.

Parents will be notified via text message and email on March 7 about their child's acceptance status. Families can still register for the program, as more than 300 did last year, but those students will be put on a waiting list if the classes at their school are already full.

Available seats will be filled from the waiting list at that particular school.

"We try really hard to make sure to fill those classes with children who live in that district," Smith said.

Only students who registered before the Sunday deadline will be eligible for the lottery at schools with more applicants than seats.

To contact writer Jeremy Timmerman, call 744-4331 or find him on Twitter@MTJTimm.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 5:27 PM with the headline "Registration numbers way up for Bibb pre-K program ."