RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) -- There's a big push to get parents to sign their children up for kindergarten this year. The reason? Nearly 4,000 of the 12,000 incoming kindergarteners were not registered on time in the region last year. So groups like United Way and Smart Beginnings want to get the word out about the Thursday, April 10 sign up date and the important documents parents must bring with them.
Chesterfield parent Jacque Hale is one of many who will register their children later this week. Her five-year-old daughter Shaia will be heading to class next school year.
"I'm excited for her," Hale said when asked about her youngest child gearing up to head off to school.
And Hale knows there's a list of items needed in order to complete the sign-up process.
"I've got my paperwork ready, so it'll be an exciting trip for us to be up there that day too," Hale said.
It's on Thursday when thousands of soon-to-be-kindergartners will head in to register for school in the fall.
"Getting your child registered for kindergarten is a really great way to get them off to a terrific start," Katherine Busser with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation said. "It is a smart beginning."
Before registration day, parents are being asked to do some homework of their own by collecting and bringing with them some vital information to include:
--Child's certified original birth certificate
--Child's Social Security number
--Proof of address
--School Entrance Health Form
--Photo ID for parent or legal guardian
However if you don't have have everything, parents are being urged to still go.
"Start the process," Hale said. "A lot of schools can help point you towards resources."
For more details leading up to 'Kindergarten Registration Day' dial 211 or click here.
