It wasn’t tickets to a Metallica concert or a can’t-miss Black Friday bargain. Andrea Michels was waiting in line for something she wasn’t going to take a chance on missing – signing up her son for the first all-day, every-day kindergarten program at Litchfield’s public schools.

“I wanted to be within the first section to ensure a spot,” said Michels, who has championed an every-day option the past year. “This is why I did what I did, so I could have this opportunity for (my son) Tyson.”

Dozens of Litchfield families arrived hours before registration began to secure their child a spot in Litchfield’s new tuition-based program. While registration will continue through August, parents leapt at the opportunity for early registration.

“I just wanted to be guaranteed a spot for (my daughter) Katherine. We’ve been hoping for it for a long time, and I don’t want to miss my opportunity,” said Julie Spanos, who also actively campaigned for an every-day option.

On the first day of registration April 1, 37 children registered for the program, enough for two sections. The Litchfield all-day, every-day kindergarten program has room for seven more children before a waiting list is started, Zender said. Registration will continue indefinitely at the Community Education office.