TURNER – SAD 52 is piloting a public pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds in Leeds for the 2009-10 school year.

The program is for that community only during its first year, but officials hope to expand it to all three communities in SAD 52 – Turner, Greene and Leeds – in subsequent years.

Leeds was chosen, officials said in a prepared statement Thursday, after “careful consideration” based on the limited availability of preschool programs in that town and the absence of a public library.

Participation in the program is on a voluntary basis. All pre-school-age students who turn 4 on or before Oct. 15 and reside in Leeds are eligible. There will be a morning and an afternoon session, with transportation provided by the district.

Federal stimulus funds will provide seed money for the first year; the district will receive state funding after that.

Registration for the program will be held for Leeds children from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, July 6, at the Leeds Central School library.