Too many parents are still turning up without the proper documentations when registering their children for school, according to school educators.

May is the start of registration for children entering early childhood institutions (ECI) and primary schools. As such, throughout the month several institutions islandwide have been bombarded with parents wanting to register their children for the school year that begins in September.

While the birth certificate is one of the most crucial documents needed for registration, often, it is not provided when children are being registered, said Hopeton Henry, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association.

Mr. Henry also noted that some schools, ECI and primary, at registration would accept the christening paper pending a birth certificate is provided at a later date.

"However, many children go through basic and primary schooling without the birth certificate being provided. Then the children cannot be placed in high schools after taking GSAT or the tests results are unable to be collected (as a birth certificate must be provided)," Mr. Henry said.

With many schools already overcrowded, registration at some schools is being handled on a first-come basis, another reason for which it is very important for parents to have the required documents when registering.

An immunisation card is the other crucial document needed for registration.

A flyer produced by the Ministry of Education and Youth about the importance of having proper documentation when registering a child says, "all children under the age of seven must be immunised before entry to school."

Parents and guardians are reminded to visit the chosen school with the following documents. It is best to contact the chosen school to find out whether there are additional documents that are required for registration.

A copy of their child's birth certificate. If your child does not have a birth certificate, contact the Registrar General's Department

An up-to-date immunisation card. No child will be allowed in school unless he or she is fully immunised against tuberculosis (TB), diphtheria, tetanus (lock jaw), poliomyelitis, mumps, measles, rubella (German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), haemophilus influenza B and hepatitis B. If your child is not fully immunised, contact your doctor or your local health centre immediately. Don't Delay; Immunise your child today.

Some schools also ask for two passport-size photographs of the child.