Early Childhood Screening

The years from birth to the start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth. Early Childhood Screening is a free, quick and simple check of your child's development.

Screening can help identify, at an early stage, possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get help even before starting kindergarten. Minnesota law requires that your child be screened before enrollment in public school kindergarten. The service is provided at no cost to families and the results of each portion are discussed with the parent or guardian.

Screening takes an early look at a child's development and is conducted by qualified professionals to help identify specific needs a child may have in the areas of: vision and hearing, height and weight, cognitive and social development, fine and gross motor skills, and immunizations and health history.

Screening Details

• Earlier is better! The best age to have your child screened is at age three and a half. All results are based on your child's exact age on the day of screening.

• Appointments typically take 45-60 minutes.

• Remember to bring your Screening Registration packet

• Children enrolled in Head Start will be screened there and records are forwarded to their school district.

• Results of each portion of the screening are discussed with the parent or guardian.

• If your child has had an educational evaluation and/or is currently receiving Special Education/Early Intervention services, they do not need to be screened.

• Screening does not determine kindergarten readiness. 

• Completing the screening does NOT mean your child is registered for kindergarten. Parents must register at the District Services Center at 1415 81^stAVE NE in Spring Lake Park.