Registration for Beaufort County children whose parents want them to attend public school kindergarten or pre-kindergarten next school year will be held from March 3-7.

During that week, interested parents with children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2014, should complete kindergarten enrollment packets at the school serving their neighborhood’s attendance area.  Parents with questions about school attendance zones should call any elementary school in their area.

Parents with children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 1 should register for pre-kindergarten at their neighborhood schools.  Because space is limited for Pre-K, 4-year-olds will be assessed for possible enrollment during the week of March 10-14. Decisions on placement for Pre-K will be made at each school after children’s screenings are complete. Children are ranked in order of greatest need for participation in the program based on the provided list of at-risk indicators.

Children who will be 6 years old by Sept. 1 should register for first grade.

For all student enrollments, parents should bring their child’s birth certificate, South Carolina Certificate of Immunization (shot record) and two proofs of residency such as a driver’s license or a utility bill showing a home address.

For more information about registering a child in Beaufort County, call your neighborhood school or the district office’s Office of Early Childhood at 521-2399.  Information is also available on the school district’s website (www.beaufort.k12.sc.us) by clicking on “Parents and Students,” then “Enrollment and Registration.”

BIRTH CERTIFICATES:  For children born in Beaufort County, birth certificates may be obtained from the Health Department/Vital Records office located in the Health Department at 601 Wilmington St. in Beaufort. Call 525-7637.

IMMUNIZATIONS:  Children enrolling in the Beaufort County School District are required to bring a South Carolina Certificate of Immunization, which can be obtained from a private physician or clinic, the Beaufort County Health Department, Beaufort County/Jasper Comprehensive Health Services, the Naval Hospital or Volunteers of Medicine.

Children exposed to positive stimulating experiences at a young age develop enhanced learning capabilities that improve their odds for academic success. Children who attend preschool or other early education programs show evidence of:

• Enhanced cognitive, verbal, and social development which is maintained into the first few years of school.

• Positive impacts on children’s health and dental care.

• Positive impacts on children’s emotional and behavioral outcomes.

• Reduced criminal behaviors and reduced incidence of substance abuse.

• Less retention and placement in special education classes.

• Higher graduation rates.
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