Information About Early Childhood Screening

What is Early Childhood Screening?

Early Childhood Screening is a free program in Minnesota that checks how a child is developing and growing. Early Childhood Screening is a brief, simple process used to identify potential health or developmental problems in young children. Screening in early childhood promotes positive child health and developmental outcomes through referrals to early learning opportunities and needed health, mental health, or medical evaluations.
 
When should I schedule an Early Childhood Screening?

The Early Childhood Screening program is available to children when they turn three years old. It is required before a child starts kindergarten, or must take place within 30 days of when a child starts kindergarten or first grade. Although your child may be screened any time before kindergarten, it is best to do it at age three or four so that any health or developmental concerns can be addressed sooner. 

How do I schedule an Early Childhood Screening?

Local school districts provide Early Childhood Screening. You can contact your school district for more information when your child turns three. To find your school district and nearest screening location, visit Help Me Connect. Choose the Healthy Development and Screening icon for the Early Childhood Screening program. Enter you address and the nearest screening district address, website and phone number will show.
 
Does my child need an Early Childhood Screening?

Yes. All Minnesota children need Early Childhood Screening. It is recommended at age three and is required for kindergarten, and it also helps identify potential problems in your child’s health and development. It is also a perfect time to find out about what early learning opportunities are available for your child, and to make sure the right supports are available to help your child learn and grow. Parents may also opt out, decline, refuse or conscientiously object to the screening by submitting a statement in writing to the district where the child will attend kindergarten per Minnesota Statutes 121A.17.
 
What happens during an Early Childhood Screening?

An Early Childhood Screening checks your child’s health and development. It includes a review of height, weight, vision, hearing, speech, social and emotional progress and overall development. Screening is tailored to the age of the child so that a three-year-old is only asked for what is developmentally appropriate for their age.
 
How do I prepare for an Early Childhood Screening?

You should bring names and phone numbers of your child’s pediatrician, any other health care providers and clinic/hospital, and immunization records. You can also bring notes about:

• Things that your child does well.
• Questions about your child’s health.
• Questions about your child’s development, such as learning, walking, talking, etc.
• Questions about your child’s seeing or hearing.

 
What happens if the school finds a problem during the Early Childhood Screening?

There are a few options if the professional providing the screening finds an area of concern in your child’s development. They may refer your child for a medical, early childhood mental health and/or an educational evaluation by your local school district. Or they may work with you to refer your child to other early childhood opportunities such as Head Start, School Readiness, Early Childhood Family Education, Early Learning Scholarships, Family Home Visiting, and other community resources.
 
For more information about Early Childhood Screening and how to encourage and support a child’s development, visit our Development Milestones pages.