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<p><strong>From staff reports&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>Pre-Registration for Beaufort County children whose parents want them to attend public school kindergarten or pre-kindergarten next school year will be held through Feb. 28.</p>
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<p>During that month, interested parents with children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2022, can pre-register for kindergarten at the school serving their neighborhood’s attendance area. Parents with questions about school attendance zones should call any elementary school in their area or visit the district website at https://bit.ly/bcsdAttendanceZones.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Parents with children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1 can pre-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 “Child Find” screenings the week of February 28–March 4.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>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.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Children who will be 6 years old on or before September 1, 2022, should pre-register for 1st grade.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>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 utility bill showing a home address.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>For more information about pre-registering a child in Beaufort County, call your neighborhood school or the district office’s Office of Early Childhood at 843-521-2399.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>Birth Certificates&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>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. (843-525-7637).&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>Immunizations&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>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.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>Stimulus&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>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:&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Enhanced cognitive, verbal and social development which is maintained into the first few years of school.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Significantly higher IQs.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Positive impacts on children’s health and dental care.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Positive impacts on children’s emotional and behavioral outcomes.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Reduced criminal behaviors and reduced incidence of substance abuse.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Less retention and placement in special education classes.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Higher graduation rates.&nbsp;</p>
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