EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING

The early childhood years from birth to the start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth.

Early Childhood Screening is a brief, simple procedure used to identify potential health or developmental problems in infants and young children who may need a health assessment, diagnostic assessment or educational evaluation. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening in early childhood supports children's readiness for kindergarten and promotes positive child health and developmental outcomes.

Early Childhood Screening or evidence of a comparable screening by non-school provider (e.g., Head Start, Child & Teen Checkups/EPSDT or health care provider) is required for entrance in Minnesota’s public schools or within 30 days of enrollment into kindergarten or a preschool setting. Early Childhood Screening is offered every year in September through Canby Public Schools.

DOES MY CHILD NEED AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING?

All of the information from your child’s Early Childhood Screening is important to his/her future school success. After the screening, you will know how your child is growing, developing and learning.

In order for your child to start kindergarten in any Minnesota Public school, you will need to provide your child’s Early Childhood Screening Summary Form and Immunization Record.

SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL MY CHILD IS IN KINDERGARTEN?

No, earlier is better! Waiting until a child is in school may be waiting too long. If your child is between the ages of 3 and 4, call the Canby Elementary school to ask about Early Childhood Screening.

IS THERE A CHARGE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING?

No, Early Childhood Screening is FREE!

WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES WILL MY CHILD BE DOING?

Your child will be observed in three areas of development: Motor, Concepts, and Language. Some of the activities included in the motor part of the DIAL-3 include: catching, jumping, cutting, and copying. In the concept part, activities will include: naming colors, counting, and identifying body parts. A speech clinician will be available for the language portion of the DIAL-3 and will be observing your child’s speech, vocabulary and problem solving.

WHAT IS THE DIAL-3?

The letters stand for Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning, Third Edition. As educators, we use the DIAL-3 as a method of checking your child’s progress in three areas: Motor (muscle), Concepts (understanding), and Language. It helps us identify children who may be having a problem that might affect his or her success in learning.