WHEELING — Ohio County’s littlest residents and their families are invited to come and get to know officials in Ohio County Schools, and also learn about local agencies providing services for young children.

Ohio County Schools will host its second “Tiny Patriots” event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 11, at the Ohio County Public Library in downtown Wheeling. Pre-kindergarten registration begins on Jan. 12.

The event is geared toward children between the ages of 0-5. Staff from Ohio County Schools will be present so both future students and their parents can learn names and faces. Also attending will be local agencies who work with young children, such as Birth-3, HeadStart, WIC and WVU Medicine.

Karin Butyn, public relations director for Ohio County Schools, said she hopes those attending would find “a welcoming entrance to Ohio County Schools.” She was inspired to organize “Tiny Patriots” after her own son started school.

“I had worked in education for 12 years. Still, when I sent my kiddo to kindergarten it was overwhelming,” Butyn said. “With this, we hope we can bring a sense of peace, and help them put faces to names.”

Selecting a school for their child “is a big decision” for parents,” she continued.

“We want families to come check out options and know they can have a home with Ohio County Schools,” Butyn said.

She also wanted to thank the service agencies who will be represented.

“It is wonderful they are so invested with the youngest members of the community, because they are the future of our city,” she said.

Registration for the event is not required, but is recommended so appropriate t-shirt sizes can be ordered.

Those interested should register on the Ohio County Schools Facebook page with the Google Form linked at the top of the page, or they may go to https://tinyurl.com/TinyPatriotsForm. Families also can register by calling the Ohio County Schools office of Public Relations at 304-243-0493.