Families may begin to register their children for kindergarten starting Monday. Students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to attend kindergarten in the fall.

Registration forms are available at each of the district's eight elementary and K-8 schools and parents should bring a copy of their child's birth certificate and record of immunization with them to register their child. Parents not sure of the neighborhood school in their attendance area can call the district office at 757-5811 or see the district's Web site, www.csd509j.net, to find a school boundary map on the Kindergarten Information page.

A district-wide "Preschool to Kindergarten Community Meeting" will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the commons area of Linus Pauling Middle School, 1111 N.W. Cleveland Ave. Early childhood specialists and experienced parents will share how parents can prepare their child to be successful in kindergarten and how the registration process works. Preschool child care and refreshments also will be provided.

March 19, each school will host an open house for parents and children entering kindergarten. Classroom visits are scheduled by appointment only through the school office.

In addition to the free, half-time kindergarten program offered at each elementary and K-8 school, a supplemental enrichment program is available (through the 2009-10 school year) in the afternoon at every school except Franklin. The fee-based option provides more time for children whose parents feel they are ready for an all-day experience. Lincoln K-8 School and Garfield Elementary are Title 1 schools which offer full-day kindergarten programs with no charge for the afternoon session.

Any child who resides in the Corvallis School District attendance area and meets the age requirements for kindergarten can apply for the enrichment program. The tuition rate is $355 per month for nine months.

Students who attend the kindergarten enrichment programs are eligible for free tuition if they qualify for the Free and Reduced Meals program or if the tuition would cause a significant financial hardship for their family.

Class sizes are limited, so a lottery is held to determine which students will be admitted into the enrichment program, regardless of their ability to pay.

For complete details, including information about the district's English Language Learner Magnet Programs and transfer policy, look for the link to Kindergarten Information in the "Spotlight On -. " section of the district Web site's home page.