Kindergarten registration for the upcoming school year is being held early so that schools can make adequate staffing decisions.

Typically held in March and April, Andalusia City School System superintendent Dr. Beverly McAnulty said, “It is a little early this year,” and for a good reason.

“We are hoping to know how many kindergarten classes are needed for next year well before we have to make any personnel decisions,” she said.

Registration at Andalusia Elementary School was held Thursday and will continue today from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 2, 2009. Parents should bring the child’s original birth certificate; original Social Security card; and blue immunization form.

In Opp, superintendent Michael Smithart said registration is ongoing through March 13, and incoming students will be given screening upon registering.

“What we typically do is screen the students to determine their skill level in such areas as: letter naming, colors, shapes, counting, numbers, vocabulary and initial sounds,” he said. “We also conduct a vision and hearing screening. This helps parents identify problems and gives them time to address it over the summer before school starts.”

Smithart said preliminary numbers show growth in enrollment.

Parents should bring certified birth certificate, Social Security card and immunization record to the principal’s office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 493-6031.

The Covington County School system will hold registration at each of its elementary schools in the coming days; however a list of specific date and times was unavailable Thursday. For a specific school, contact the principal’s office.

At other local schools:

Bright Beginnings Preschool, 602 Seegers St., is now accepting applications for the 2009-10 school year. A child should be 3 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2009, to be eligible. Space is limited. Applications may be picked up at Bright Beginnings Preschool or at the Andalusia Housing Authority office, 145 Murphree Dr.

Area Head Start programs in Opp, Andalusia and Florala are also accepting applications for the upcoming year. Students must be 3-years-old on or before Sept. 1. Applications are available at each area office.