Early Childhood Screening

What is Screening?

Early Childhood Screening is a free check of your child's vision, hearing, height, weight, and development, as well as a review of immunization records that is required by the state of Minnesota for all children ages 3-5 before they enter kindergarten. The purpose of the screening is to identify, at an early stage, possible learning or health concerns so that children can get needed help before starting school.

Why is screening important?

According to the Minnesota Department of Education website, "The screening in early childhood supports children's readiness for kindergarten and promotes positive child health and developmental outcomes. The early childhood years from birth to start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth. Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how children are doing between the ages of 3 to 4 years. It identifies, at an early stage, possible learning or health concerns, so that children can get needed help before starting school. Early Childhood Screening is not a kindergarten entrance test."

What happens at Screening appointment?

The screening appointment will take about an hour. You can expect your child to be looked at in the following areas:

 hearing, vision and height 

 immunization records reviewed

speech and language

fine and gross motor skills

social/emotional development 

 cognitive skills

When your child is done with the screening a licensed teacher will go over the screening results with you!  If any concerns are found you will be informed of them along with the recommended steps you can take improve your childs health or development.

2013-2014 Early Childhood Screening Dates

Thursday September 26th

Wednesday October 9th

Thursday November 14th

Thursday December 12th

Tuesday February 11th

Thursday March 13th

Thursday April 24th

For questions or to make an appointment

call Vicki or Carrie at 320-679-6257.