AUBURN – Parents of 4-year-olds interested in having their child attend pre-kindergarten this fall should enter their child’s name in a lottery.

Children whose names are selected will attend either a morning or afternoon pre-K class at Sherwood Heights, Fairview or Park Avenue elementary schools

After the Auburn School Committee voted to expand the program this fall, a total of 48 openings will be available in the six classes. But already 60 names of hopeful pre-K students have been entered in the lottery.

The numbers illustrate that demand is higher than available space, said Linda Leiva, the kindergarten teacher and early childhood team leader who heads up the pre-K programs for Auburn schools.

The lottery will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 8 at the Auburn Hall.

Like last year, the pre-K classes will be made of up 4-year-olds. Some will be special needs, some will be typically developing youngsters. The program is a collaboration between the Auburn School Department, Child Development Services and Head Start.

Children who make it into the program will attend a few hours of pre-K four days a week. They’ll learn social and pre-reading skills to help them become ready for school when they start kindergarten.

Pre-K skills include identifying letters and sounds, learning to write their name, counting, sitting still long enough to hear a story read, getting along with other children and following classroom instructions.

According to Leiva, parental surveys indicated that during this year, the first year Auburn offered pre-K, “There was overwhelming parental satisfaction. Parents were very happy.”

Parents do not pay any tuition, and transportation is provided.

The lottery is for children who will be 4 years old on or before Oct. 15. Parents who want their child’s name in the lottery should call or e-mail Leiva before noon on June 7 at 784-3559, or [email protected].

Preference will be given to children living in neighborhoods where the schools are situated, Leiva said. Parents do not have to be present during the lottery, but are welcome, she said.