Each of Ashe County’s three elementary schools will conduct a pre-school and kindergarten screening of students for admission to school in August 2011. Parents are encouraged to contact the appropriate elementary school or Ashe Early Learning Center (numbers below) to schedule an appointment for DIAL screening.

Children entering school for the 2011-2012 school year must be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2011 in order to qualify for placement in kindergarten. This is a change in the law determining school entry age which was passed by the NC Legislature in 2006.

Pre-Kindergartners who will be 4 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2011 can be screened to see if they qualify for the Pre-K program. They must meet other eligibility criteria which give evidence of need for preschool services. Children who are 3 may also be screened; however, only 3 year olds who have identified special education needs will be considered for public school Pre-K programs.

It is important that all children have a medical examination before entering school for the first time. Ashe Partnership for Children, Ashe County Health Department and the Ashe County School System are pleased to offer a FREE physical examination for your child, regardless of income up to their 6th birthday. This service will be available at DIAL Screening, performed by a Registered Nurse with special training in Pediatric Physical Assessment. Any needed immunizations will be offered at this time. Please be sure to bring your child’s current immunization record.

Kindergarten screening dates for the three elementary schools are as follows:

Westwood District, 877-2921, March 22 – 24, 2011

Blue Ridge District, 384-4500, March 29 – 31, 2011

Mountain View District, 982-4200, April 5 – 7, 2011

Pre-School screening dates for Westwood and Mountain View schools are as follows:

Ashe Early Learning Center, 846-3221, April 25 – 28, 2011

Pre-School screening dates for Blue Ridge are as follows:

Blue Ridge District, 384-4500, April 1, 2011

It will be necessary to bring immunization records, birth certificates, medical records, and proof of 911 address to DIAL screening. In addition, parents should bring income information if your child is a 3 or 4 year old applying for a Pre-K program. A copy of the child’s social security number would also be helpful for school records.

Please contact Teresa Stansberry, EC/PreK Director@ 846-3221 if there are questions or concerns. Please call your school to set up an appointment.