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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Registration is open for those wishing to see their child get an early start through Alabama First Class Pre-K programs in Alabaster City Schools for the 2025-2026 school year.

Students who register for the program will be selected through a random drawing lottery for each school location and will be placed in rank order according to the number drawn. Once all of the available spots for the program have been filled, the remaining students will be put on a waiting list.

“Alabama First Class Pre-K offers 4-year-olds access to high-quality prekindergarten programs in their communities,” read an official post by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. “It currently serves more than 24,000 children and has been awarded the highest quality rating by the National Institute for Early Education Research for 18 years.”

According to the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, research on long-term impact indicates that children who participated in First Class Pre-K program were more likely to be successful throughout their school careers than those who did not participate.

Random drawing pre-registration for potential enrollment in the ACS pre-K program is open to all children that are four years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2025 and that are zoned for the indicated Alabaster school.

Children who are eligible for kindergarten are not eligible for First Class Pre-K. Enrollees must provide proof of residence and a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Upon enrollment, a child’s immunization record must be provided to the school or program. Students who are eligible for the program must be toilet trained and able to attend to their own restroom needs.

The First Class Pre-K program will take place at Creek View Elementary School and Meadow View Elementary School from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parents are responsible for transporting students to the program and for child pickup. There is no monthly fee associated with the program but after school care is offered for a separate free from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be a mandatory program orientation at the beginning of the school year and a minimum of two family conferences with one for each semester. Additionally, a minimum of 12 volunteer hours are required of each child’s family across the year.

Registration for First Class Pre-K programs ends on Thursday, March 6 and submissions sent on or after the deadline will be added to the bottom of the waitlist after the random drawing date on Tuesday, March 18 at 9 a.m. A virtual link will be posted for interested parties to view the drawing.