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Colorado Northwestern Community College-Craig campus officials expect a rush of registrations to come in during these last two weeks before the summer session begins.

By Monday afternoon, 221 students had registered to take summer classes. If the head count continues to increase like the current trend, that means there could be nearly 200 students signing up before classes begin on June 1.

"For summer, that's not too bad," CNCC Registrar Technician Laura Brewer said.

"We usually have some people rushing to register in the last week."

More than 400 students registered for 2003 summer classes, which is more than the 275 who signed up for the summer of 2002.

Registration for summer and fall classes opened April 5. Brewer estimates 20 to 40 enrollees stop by the office each day -- that includes those phoning in their registration data or those calling with questions about online registration.

"I expect there will be at least 400 this summer, but we just have to wait and see," Brewer said.

Students can register until classes begins. That date fluctuates depending on the class.

Nursing program classes are full, as well as the beginning golf course. Classes that are filling quickly, include pilates, pottery and public speaking.

Course schedules are available at the CNCC Bell Tower building. They include an application. Students who have not taken a course at CNCC in the past year must fill out a new application, which includes residency verification. Potential students are asked to bring their driver's license and the dates of their last two years of motor vehicle registration when they apply.

People who have lived in Colorado for at least 1 year and in Moffat County for six months are eligible for free tuition. People can register in person at the Bell Tower building or online at www.cncc.edu.

They can also phone in registrations, but they have to stop by the college and sign their registration.

"We try to get people through as quickly as possible," Brewer said.

New this year is CNCC's early childhood professionals program, which offers an associate of applied science degree, a director certificate, a group leader certificate or an infant and toddler certificate.

There are four early childhood training classes being offered over the summer semester.

"There is a definite need," Moffat County Early Childhood Coalition Director Sarah Hepworth said.

"Early childhood professionals are trying to be viewed as professionals and professionals are expected to have education as well as experience."