Staff member outlines pre‑K and kindergarten registration; expo set for April 10

A staff member provided details on age eligibility, required documents and application timing for pre‑K and kindergarten registration, and encouraged families to apply early because spaces will fill.

The staff member said the pre‑K age cutoff is that a child must be 4 or must turn 4 on or before June 30 of the year; a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who has turned 3 is also eligible for pre‑K. For kindergarten, the staff member said a child must turn 5 on or before June 30 to be eligible for the following school year. "In order to be eligible for pre k, a child must be 4 or must turn 4 on or before June 30 of this year," the staff member said.

Parents should be ready to provide a child’s birth certificate, immunization record, two proofs of physical residency, and documentation of a well‑child and dental visit within the past 12 months when completing an application. The staff member noted the district requests a child’s Social Security number but said, "While we request it, it is not required." The staff member urged families to submit complete documentation when applying so placement can proceed.

Applications for both pre‑K and kindergarten will go live on the district website on Friday, April 10. "This Friday, April 10, our applications for both pre k and kindergarten registration go live on our website," the staff member said, and encouraged families to begin the process promptly to avoid limiting placement options.

The staff member said pre‑K students do not have to attend in their home attendance area and families may request programs based on work location, transportation needs or childcare arrangements. The announcement named Crescent, Mavscott and Cranberry as example program sites parents may request.

The district will host its annual pre‑K expo the same day, Friday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center. "This Friday from 9 to 1 at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center, we will host our annual pre k expo," the staff member said, adding that all elementary schools, childcare providers, Head Start and other resource organizations will have booths.

For questions about registration, the staff member directed parents to Michelle Blankenship, identified in the transcript as director of elementary and early childhood education at the central office, for assistance.

The staff member closed by thanking listeners and saying the district looks forward to welcoming students next fall.