Early Childhood Screening

St. Louis Park Early Childhood Screening

If your child is 3, it’s time for Early Childhood Screening!

 
What is Early Childhood Screening?

From birth to age 5, children grow and develop quickly. A developmental screening is an easy way to check your child’s growth and development and connect you and your child with fun and valuable programs and resources to support their development. Early childhood developmental screening helps a school district identify children who may benefit from district and community resources. Screening your child at age 3 allows more time for support if concerns are identified. 

When should I schedule my child’s appointment? 

The best time to complete this developmental screening is between ages 3 and 4. This screening is required for kindergarten entrance by the State of Minnesota. See MN Statute 121A.17.

Appointments are available on Wednesdays throughout the school year from 12:00-6:00 p.m. and one Saturday each month from 8:00-12:00 noon. Some additional appointments will be available on Mondays and Fridays. Click here to schedule an appointment today! 

Is there a fee? 

No! This is a free service. 

What happens during an Early Childhood Screening appointment?  

Teachers and/or nurses will check your child’s height, weight, hearing, vision, and development by asking your child to engage in a variety of fun activities. The vision screening helps detect potential vision problems but is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Once the child has completed the activities, there is an opportunity to discuss any circumstances which may affect your child’s learning. 

  • Birth certificates and immunization records are recommended but not required
  • Arranging childcare for siblings is recommended.
  • Interpreter services are free and recommended if English is not the primary language spoken in the home. Please let us know if you’d like to set up an interpreter when you register your child.
  • Appointments are approximately one hour long. 
  • Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment to complete additional paperwork not listed on the website. 
Preparing for an Appointment
  • You can prepare your child for the screening appointment by explaining that s/he will be engaging in some easy and fun activities with a teacher and/or a nurse. Let your child know that you will be in the room while they play. 
  • Practice the vision prescreening game enclosed in the packet you receive in the mail. 
  • Copies of immunizations and birth certificates are recommended but not required. 
  • Forms will be mailed two weeks prior to your appointment. They are also available on the website to view and print if you register closer to your appointment time. Please contact Toni at 952-928-6774 with any questions. 
  • Click here to view and print the required forms for your child’s Early Childhood Screening appointment.
Screening Location

Early Childhood Screenings are conveniently located at the Central Early Learning Center – 6300 Walker St., St. Louis Park, MN 55416. Please enter through Door #3 on the west side of the building and check in at the main office.

Conscientious Objector

Parents my choose not to have their child participate in a screening.  In order to do so, parents must submit a signed, dated statement indicating that they are conscientious objectors to the Early Childhood Screening and do not want their child to participate in the screening. This statement will become a part of their child’s school record. Click here to download and print the Conscientious Objector form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Click here to visit the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website to learn more about the screening process. Click on the links below for Frequently Asked Questions by parents.