While Old Rochester Regional’s Tri-Town Early Childhood Program usually has a waiting list, this year it is at less than half capacity, said Terri Hamm, Director of Student Services.

Lead by teacher and Director Barbara Tully, the two-year program provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to study childhood education by working with three and four-year-olds.

The program can accomodate approximately 15 children a day.

Low enrollment numbers mean less money for the program, which is funded through tuition.

“If enough aren’t enrolled, we may not be able to continue to have the program,” said Hamm.

“Across the tri-town area people are seeing low enrollment for preschool programs.”

Falling numbers may also be due to more preschools in the area.

“The YMCA is offering a family membership to anyone going to their preschool,” said ORR High School Principal Mike Devoll. “We need to get a little competitive.”

To raise numbers for this school year, Hamm proposed a one-year exception, allowing enrollment for children aged two years and nine months as of August 31.

The School Committee approved the exception.