HOUSTON — Hardin-Houston Local School will register new kindergarten students April 5 and April 6, with screening times of 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Children who will be 5 on or before Aug. 1 will be eligible for kindergarten.

Parents should schedule appointments as soon as possible to reserve screening times. To do so, visit www.hardinhouston.org.

During registration, children 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 have the chance to meet the principal or superintendent and school nurse.

Parents must take certified copies of their children’s birth certificates, immunization records (5 DPT, 4 polio, 2 MMR, chickenpox, and a Hepatitis B series), as well as copies of any legal documents if custody is involved.

Parents with additional, younger children are encouraged to find sitters during the screening appointments, as they will be listening to presentations, filling out paperwork and talking with nurses during the time their kindergarten-bound children are being assessed.

Parents should be aware of legislation which mandates attendance in and successful completion of kindergarten before a child enters first grade. This law underscores the importance of children’s being ready for kindergarten before they enroll.

Research has shown children who turn 5 during the spring or summer months may be at risk in kindergarten simply because of their age. Hardin-Houston offers an all-day, every-day Young Fives program that is designed to help children prepare for the rigors of the regular kindergarten classroom.

Those with children who fit this description are encouraged to take them to the screening.