JASPER COUNTY — Families with young children will have an important opportunity this spring as Jasper County Schools and ROE #12 Bright Beginnings host upcoming preschool and kindergarten screenings in Ste. Marie.
The screenings are scheduled for Thursday, May 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday, May 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ste. Marie Elementary School, located at 311 Franklin Street in Ste. Marie.
The screenings are designed to help identify children who are eligible for preschool or ready to begin kindergarten, while also ensuring they are meeting developmental milestones before entering the classroom.
Preschool screenings are open to children ages 3 to 5 years old, with birthdates falling between September 2, 2021 and September 1, 2023. Kindergarten screenings are for children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
School officials emphasize that all children must be screened prior to attending a preschool or kindergarten program, making these dates an essential step for families preparing for the upcoming school year.
Appointments are required and must be scheduled by May 1. Parents and guardians can schedule a screening by visiting https://go.jccu1.org/screenings, scanning the QR code provided on event materials, or calling 618-783-3651. For preschool-specific questions, families may also call 618-455-3219.
In addition to the screenings, the Masonic Lodge will be on-site offering enrollment in the Illinois Masonic Family Identification Program (IMFID), a free service that provides families with identification materials for their children.
Jasper County Schools encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their children are prepared, supported, and set up for success as they begin their educational journey.
