Although the 2004-2005 school year still has a few months left in it, school officials say it's not to early to be thinking about next year.

The annual Kindergarten Registration and Health Fair for children in

Ironton City Schools and Ironton Catholic Schools is scheduled for

Wednesday at West Ironton School.

Any child who will be 5 years of age on or before Aug. 1, 2005, will be eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the 2005-2006 school year.

Children who attend the fair will be able to meet the school staff, register for kindergarten in advance and take part in several free health screenings including physicals, height and weight assessments, speech and hearing tests and vision and hearing screenings. Well-child information will also be available.

"What we do is check for any physical problems that can impede learning," Ironton school nurse Annette Scott said. "And some things such as immunizations are required by state guidelines."

Parents need to bring the child as well as the child's birth certificate with the official state seal (not the hospital announcement), legal documentation or custody papers, if necessary, and the child's complete immunization records.

"The city health department is giving out vouchers for immunization as an incentive to come to the fair and get these things taken care of," Ironton school nurse Patty Gleichauf said.