GUILDERLAND — With funding from New York state, the school distinct here is offering free pre-kindergarten classes for the next school year.

Five venues work with the school district in providing preschool classes since the Guilderland schools do not have the space or staff to house the program.

The program is open to any family living in the Guilderland school district with children who have birthdays between Dec. 2, 2020 and Dec. 1, 2021.

Since typically more families apply than there are available places, the district has held a lottery to make assignments.

All applications must be submitted between March 3 and April 9. All families, even those currently enrolled in one of the district’s programs, must apply during the registration period and participate in the lottery to secure a state-funded space.

Details for applying are available on the district’s website.

Families selected through the lottery will be notified by May 9 and will have until May 23 to accept their spot.

The program hours covered by the district run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Enrolled families who want wraparound care have to pay for it themselves through arrangements made directly with the provider.

The school district does not provide transportation to the preschool program.

These providers work with the district for the preschool program:

— All Saints Catholic Academy at 10 Rosemont St. in Albany;

— Christ the King Early Childhood Center at 20 Sumter Ave. in Guilderland;

— Lynnwood Reformed Church Preschool (staffed by the YMCA) at 3714 Carman Rd. in Guilderland;

— Mater Christi School at 35 Hurst Ave. in Albany; and

— St. Madeleine Sophie School at 3510 Carman Rd. in Guilderland.

There is no religious instruction given during the hours of the state-funded classes.