WHEELING – Little tykes turning 4 years old by summer can be signed up for pre-kindergarten classes in Ohio County starting in early January, and so can those wanting to enter kindergarten.

Pre-registration for both pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes in the county are being done at the same time this year, and are set to begin at 8 a.m. Jan. 8.

For pre-kindergarten registration, parents will be able to access an online link at the Ohio County Schools website – boe.ohio.k12.wv.us/ – that goes live at that time. They can also call the Ohio County Schools offices at 304-243-0333.

Youngsters eligible for pre-kindergarten must be 4 years old on or before June 30, 2024.

Pre-kindergarten classes are not required for students in West Virginia, but they can prove beneficial to students, according to Raquel McLeod, student services director for Ohio County Schools.

“Pre-K is very vital to building the foundational skills of phonics, and phonemic awareness,” McLeod said. “Our kindergarten teachers have talked about the difference between students in kindergarten that have been part of the Pre-K program, and those who have not.

“There is a noticeable difference between the two groups being prepared and being able to enter kindergarten and succeeding academically.”

She explained that in pre-kindergarten, students learn social skills that include sharing and interacting with peers, as well as self-regulation skills.

“Academically, they are building the foundation to begin reading through phonics and phonemic awareness instruction,” McLeod continued.

She encourages parents to register early either by calling or by using the online link so that they have a better chance of placing their child in the school of their choice.

The closest school to the child’s home doesn’t determine school placement, she explained. Students are placed in classes based on registration and the order that parents choose their school.

McLeod expects between 300 to 350 students to be registered for pre-kindergarten this year.

“The importance of early education cannot be stressed enough,” McLeod said. “Ohio County Schools has a top notch Pre-K program that is free and accessible to all families in Ohio County. “We hope people take advantage of this because it ensures their children will be ahead academically when they enter kindergarten.”

Parents seeking to enroll their children in kindergarten classes should contact the elementary school in their neighborhood. The schools can be reached by calling:

– Bethlehem Elementary – 304-243-0350

– Elm Grove Elementary – 304 -243-0363

– Madison Elementary – 304 -243-0366

– Middle Creek Elementary – 304-243-0369

– Ritchie Elementary – 304-243-0372

– Steenrod Elementary – 304-243-0356

– West Liberty Elementary – 304-336-7221

– Woodsdale Elementary – 304-243-.0378

– Warwood School – 304-243-0375

An online link to register students for kindergarten also will be available at the Ohio County Schools website, boe.ohio.k12.wv.us/.

Students eligible for kindergarten in the next term must turn age 5 by June 30. Kindergarten is mandatory for children approaching age 6.