The state Board of Education postponed yesterday a decision on a regulation that would force homeschooling parents to list their children with local public school authorities "each year" until February.

Homeschool advocates have protested the proposed addition of the two words to state regulations, which require home- schoolers to register with school officials charged with enforcing compulsory attendance laws.

The advocates acknowledged at a board meeting Tuesday that practices vary among the state's 24 districts. Some allow parents to register once, while others already require parents to fill out forms every year.

"We're getting a lot of confusion," said Valerie V. Cloutier, the state board's chief lawyer.

Board members also said they were responding to complaints from the advocates that they weren't consulted about the revision. A delay in voting on the change would allow time for "conversation," said board member Philip S. Benzil. "What's the harm in a short delay?"

Several members said they agreed with the revision in principle. "It's important to know who and where our children are," said Karabelle A.L. Pizzigati, a former Montgomery County PTA president.

Gary L. Cox, superintendent of Walkersville Christian Family Schools and a homeschool advocate, said he was pleased with the delay. "At least it gives us a chance to talk," he said.