Parents with children ready to enter Pre-K next year will need to take advantage of a mandatory screening taking place in a few weeks.

All 3, 4 or 5 year-olds in the district are eligible for the check-ups in language, concepts, and motor development February 21 and 22. There will also be vision and hearing checks. These tests do not determine kindergarten readiness. The screenings will be at St. John's Parish Center at 514 North Monroe Street in Clinton. The program is for all preschool children who will be three or older as of August 31, 2012. Dr. Jeff Holmes, Superintendent of the Clinton school district says preschool screenings are like taking your child to the doctor for a checkup to make sure every thing is developing correctly, except the district looks at school readiness and overall cognitive development.

Parents interested in their child's possible placement into the Pre-K programs must have their child screened, and no further screenings will be scheduled until next year.

To schedule a screening, call Douglas School at 935-2987 or Washington School at 935-6383 after 9 am the week of February 6-10. The screening will last approximately 45 minutes.

The DeWitt/Piatt Bi-County Health Department will also be having their immunization clinic from 12:30-5 pm on Monday February 20 to administer any immunizations that are still needed for your child to enter school. The immunizations are by appointment only. You can call the Health Department to set up an appointment at 935-3427.