Last week, pre-K offer letters went out, replacing parental suspense with either disappointment or delight. This year at PS 29 was unusual: for the 54 spots available, a higher number of siblings applied, leaving no room at all for neighborhood children without older sisters or brothers in the school. At the moment, three out-of-zone siblings are still awaiting slots.

My own mind can rest, knowing my 4-year-old will have a classroom to report to next year (we had no backup plan) and experience the same joy and pride of going to pre-K at "the big school" where her older sister is a kindergartner.But thousands of families citywide do not have the same luck.

According to the New York Post, nearly 7,000 children city-wide received no pre-K placement at all this year, a twofold jump from two years ago. The number of families applying for spots grew from 20,000 in 2008 to nearly 25,000 this year. I realize we were tremendously lucky in winning the lottery for my older daughter two years ago, when the chance of getting a spot stood at 70%. Speculation on the reason for this jump in applications  includes the tough economy, and fewer families being able to afford private preschool.

Families who received a coveted spot have until June 18 to register or they'll lose the spot.  Round 2 of applications will be announced in early July, and will perhaps bring better news for families who didn't receive placement–if you are one of those unlucky families, keep an eye on the DOE's Pre-K page for further news.

Are you still waiting for a pre-K spot for next year? Please share your thoughts on this process.