Hundreds of parents and their children lined up Friday at West Virginia University at Parkersburg...to make sure their youngsters are healthy enough to begin school.

The PALS project was a two-hour screening process, including hearing, speech and health, for pre-kindergarden children, up to the age of four.

Wood County Schools was a sponsor, along with the county Family Resource Network and the Early Childhood Coalition.

"It's not designed to be a replacement for a parent's access to a primary care physician," according to coordinator Nancy McManus. "But it's a very thorough screening, and if a parent were to access those services in the community, the in-kind fee probably would equal over $300."

also included was a clinic, where parents could have their child safety seats inspected for proper installation.