FROM STAFF REPORTS

Inverness Elementary School is currently accepting registrations for its new First Class Pre-K program, which is being made available through a $120,000 state-funded grant.

Inverness Elementary School Principal Christine Hoffman said the pre-K program will be available for students who currently are zoned for Inverness Elementary and who will have turned 4 by the Sept. 1 deadline.

The program will serve between 16-18 students who will be selected in a lottery drawing later this summer.

Parents who are interested in registering their children may come to the school anytime between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The deadline to register is July 20.

Hoffman said she is excited to see the program being implemented at Inverness Elementary, especially since there is an increased need for pre-K programs in the community.

“We are happy that we will be able to provide an additional opportunity to the families that might not be able to afford private pre-K programs,” Hoffman said.

The First Class Pre-K Program is Alabama’s state funded pre-K program for 4-year-old children who are Alabama residents.

The program is funded by the Education Trust Fund through the Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs Office of School Readiness.

Inverness Elementary was awarded funding to implement the program after completing an application.

Gov. Robert Bentley announced on May 17 more than 150 grants were approved for dozens of programs across the state.

The grants, which are being funded by a $16 million increase for pre-K education approved by the Alabama Legislature, will provide services for nearly 2,800 additional 4-year-olds in the state.

Each grant recipient is required to provide a 25-percent match for the state funds.

The grant covers the cost of materials, required furniture, and salaries for teachers and paraprofessionals.