HOUSTON — Parents who have children who will be five-years-old on or before Aug. 1 are encouraged to complete kindergarten registration at Hardin-Houston Local School on April 7 and 8 for the 2016-17 school year.

In order to prepare, the school is asking parents to schedule a screening appointment for their child as soon as possible on their website www.hardinhouston.org. The screening times are 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday.

During registration, the child will have an opportunity to meet the kindergarten teachers as well as participate in screening for speech, hearing, vision, and developmental readiness skills. While the child is in the screening, parents will meet with the principal or superintendent and school nurse.

Parents are asking to bring the following with them to the screening: a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, their immunization records and any copies of legal documents if custody is involved.

The school encourages all parents who have younger children to find a sitter during the appointment as you will be listening to presentations, filling out paperwork, and talking with health nurses during the time your child is being assessed.

Parents should be aware of legislation (ORC 3321.01) which mandates attendance in and successful completion of kindergarten before a child enters first grade. This law underscores the importance of children being ready for kindergarten before they enroll. Research has shown children who turn five during the spring or summer months may be at risk in kindergarten simply because of their age. Hardin-Houston anticipates the addition of an all day, every day Young Fives program that is designed to help children prepare for the rigors of the regular kindergarten classroom. If you have a child who fits this description, the school encourages you to bring him/her to screening.