I think part of the reason
Jep! feels so different (at least to me) is that there was no money at stake like the version the kids probably watched beforehand -- only a choice between two prizes depending on how well you did, which made it seem as if the risks weren't as rewarding or worth trying as they were on the adult version.
(Yes,
Super Jeopardy! also used points, but it was also a special Tournament of Champions with a $250,000 pot of gold at the end.)
But IIRC, the Kids Week replaced Jep
Based on the listings at J! Archive, the first Kids/Back-to-School Week was at the start of Season 16, so it probably did.
....and considering that Cory gave up his eligibility at regular Jeopardy for a shot at a sweet boom box 15 years ago, I'd give him credit for the double.
Unless he's otherwise ineligible per
the rules on the official website, he can still be on the Trebek version.
By comparison, those who gave up their eligibility at regular
Wheel for a shot at a Game.com and maybe limo rides to and from school for a week are probably wishing they waited about another four or five years so they could use their one chance for a shot at cash and prizes that weren't as lame.