MOULTRIE, Ga. — A change is coming to Colquitt County Schools’ prekindergarten program.

Until now, children were assigned to pre-K classes on a “first-come, first-served” basis, which meant parents had to be at the registration site early to ensure their child had a spot. Some even camped out in line as if for concert tickets or hot Christmas toys.

No more.

Pre-K Director Nick Chastain said Thursday that the school system wants to better align pre-k registration with the school system’s registration for elementary school.

Parents of 4-year-olds who want their children in one of the pre-k classes for the 2019-2020 school year can register them any time between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. March 13, 14, 19 or 20. Their school will be determined by their address, just as it is for other grades.

Colquitt County has 10 elementary schools (not counting GEAR, which is gifted education for grades 3-5). Each of those 10 schools will have at least one pre-k class, Chastain said, with a total of 26 classes across the county.

If more students apply at a school than there are positions available there, students will be chosen for the class by a random lottery. Earlier applicants will not receive a benefit.

If a student is not chosen for the pre-k class in his or her district school, the parent can contact Chastain’s office after the lottery to see if spots are available in another school. If so, the student can be enrolled at the other school, but the parent would have to provide transportation.

Otherwise, the student’s name would be placed on a waiting list at the school in his or her district in case a student in the class withdraws.

“I want to see a program that’s inclusive and accommodating to all families in Colquitt County,” Chastain said.

Chastain studied the issue extensively since taking over the program in July and received feedback from parents, school system leaders, and community stakeholders. Colquitt County Pre-K program is funded by the Georgia State Lottery and governed by Bright from the Start (BFTS), a division of the state Department of Early Care and Learning.

“We are fortunate in Colquitt County to have a superintendent and school board willing to invest in and support our youngest students,” Chastain said. “This investment allows every elementary school in Colquitt County to participate in the BFTS Pre-K program. Each pre-k classroom is staffed with a certified teacher and paraprofessional and uses the same technology found in K-5 classrooms. Breakfast/lunch, school supplies, and field trips are provided at no cost. We have one of the top programs in Georgia and want to serve every eligible child in Colquitt County.”

 To register for the 2019-20 pre-k classes, a child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2019.

The criteria for application acceptance is:

• Complete an application with proof of age and proof of local residency requirement (to determine correct school attendance zone). Specific street address information related to school zones can be obtained by contacting the School Transportation Department at 229-890-6259.

• If the number of applicants with verified proof of residency exceeds the number of spaces for a site (school), then a random selection (lottery) will be held for that school at the board office (if necessary).

• Students with siblings in a Colquitt County elementary school will enroll at the same school.

• Assignment zone students with no siblings in a Colquitt County elementary school will be randomly placed by Colquitt County Schools Student Services and Pre-K departments.

• Parents may ask for a transfer from their assigned school zone after July 1 from the pre-k office only. Initial registration must be in the school of their zone.

• Students accepted as a transfer from another school will be eligible to complete all grades at that school (K-5).