PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION — Registration for early childhood education classes in the Indian Creek Local School District will begin in March for incoming preschool and kindergarten pupils. In-person and on-line registration can be found online at indiancreeklocal-oh.finalforms.com/parents/registration. Preschooler Carolina Wilson displayed her writing skills which she is taught within her classroom. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — The Indian Creek Local School District will hold registration for preschool and kindergarten pupils for the upcoming school year. Signups will begin in March, according to Michele Minto, district director of curriculum and instruction.

Minto said the dates scheduled for in-person registration will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 20 at Cross Creek Elementary School in Wintersville; and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27 at Hills Elementary School in Mingo Junction.

Parents or guardians have the option of completing forms online and not needing to attend in person.

“To be eligible for preschool, the child must be at least 3 years old on, or before, Aug. 1, but kindergarteners must be at least 5 years old on, or before, the first day of school,” Minto said. She noted those registering for kindergarten is a recent change in state law.

Parents must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency. Preschoolers must also show income verification. If the child is already enrolled in preschool, they do not have to register for kindergarten, officials said.

“Once they are enrolled, Hills and Cross Creek elementary officials will send information on preschool screening dates,” Minto continued, noting screening dates have been set 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 26 at Hills and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 28 at Cross Creek.

“Early childhood education plays a vital role in preparing students for long-term success,” Minto concluded. “As we begin enrollment for our preschool programs, we look forward to partnering with families to support early development and build a strong foundation for learning.”

The preschool programs received gold ratings through Step Up to Quality, officials noted.

Information is available by contacting Cross Creek Elementary Principal Dan Hartman at (740) 264-1491 or Hills Elementary Principal Erin Alloggia at (740) 283-2479. Minto can be reached for questions at (740) 264-3502, Ext. 1005. Online registration is available at indiancreeklocal-oh.finalforms.com/parents/registration.