PARKERSBURG - Preregistration for children entering Wood County Schools prekindergarten and kindergarten classes will open in the coming weeks.
Preregistration for kindergarten students will run Feb. 21-24 at the school the child will be attending, said Karen Brunicardi, director of elementary schools and prekindergarten programs.
Prekindergarten preregistration will be held March 5-9.
Early registration enables school personnel to more accurately assign staff and classroom space for the kindergarten program. Because of changes and potential restaffing, it is necessary that children be preregistered to be assured they can attend kindergarten in their attendance area. If a child is not preregistered during that period, it may be necessary for the child to attend kindergarten outside the normal attendance area, Brunicardi said.
The early sign-up period also aids in reminding parents of immunization requirements for children entering any West Virginia school for the first time. Students should have completed the age-appropriate immunization program prior to the first day of school in the fall.
"The kindergarten program provides age and developmentally appropriate experiences to help prepare children for the formal academic setting in first grade," Brunicardi said.
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State law requires children entering prekindergarten to have these immunizations: DTaP, IPV, MMR, Hib, VAR (chickenpox), Hep B, Prevnar PCV7, and Hep A.
A complete Health Assessment (Health Check) is also requested to be completed by a healthcare provider.
Parents will also need to provide the child's certified birth certificate.
Additional information may be found at https://www.edline.net/pages/WCS and clicking on the link to Kindergarten and /or Pre-Kindergarten Registration by going to Departments then Director of Elementary Education.
"Children are also introduced to reading, writing and math programs in kindergarten, narrowing the gap between students with differing levels of experience," she said.
A child must be five years old by Aug. 31, 2012, to begin kindergarten in the fall. Those students whose fifth birthday will occur between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 may request early entrance to kindergarten.
Parents must present their child's certified birth record and proof of immunization against childhood diseases when enrolling a new student. Children who will be entering school in West Virginia for the first time must have these immunizations: DTaP, IPV, MMR, Hep B and Varicella. Any physician's request for immunization exemption must state which vaccines are involved, a detailed explanation of the medical contraindication and if the contraindication is temporary or permanent. Parents/guardians are requested to present a comprehensive well child exam documentation or HealthCheck form from their healthcare provider to the school nurse or administrator. The well child exam needs to have been completed within one calendar year from the start of school.
A child may be preregistered at the elementary school he or she will attend in the fall. Preregistration hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parents should allot at least 20 minutes to complete the process.
Any child who will be four years of age by Aug. 31, 2012, is eligible to attend prekindergarten. Students living in one of the school districts indicated will be given first priority for enrollment and must report to the school with registration information. Out of district students will be accepted to fill classes.
