St. Louis Park Early Childhood Screening
If your child is 3, it’s time for Early Childhood Screening!
What is Early Childhood Screening?
The St. Louis Park Public School system provides free early childhood screening for all 3-5 year olds. Identifying any health or developmental concerns early allows us to connect you and your family with district and community resources that, if needed, can provide earlier intervention services and learning opportunities for your child. The screening assessment is free and is required by the state of Minnesota before a child can begin kindergarten.
Parents/guardians accompany their child through the approximate hour long visit. After completing the screening activities, our early childhood specialists will share information about your child’s growth, development, and learning. Screening appointments for children ages 3-5 are available September-June and in August up until the first day of Kindergarten.
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. Additional appointments will be available on Mondays and Fridays. Click here to schedule an appointment today!
No! This is a free service.
Families who participate in an Early Childhood Screening visit will gain valuable insights about important milestones in their child’s growth and development. The screening visit is structured to include fun, age-appropriate activities that assess multiple areas of your child’s health and development, including:
Social and Emotional Development – How children feel, behave, and relate to others. Fine and Gross Motor Ability – How children move their bodies and use their hands. Cognitive Development – How children explore, learn, think, and figure out how to solve problems. Communication & Language – How children understand and communicate with others. Health & Immunization History – Updated immunization records or a notarized exemption form must be submitted. Vision, Hearing & Physical Growth – This screening helps detect potential problems but is not a substitute for comprehensive eye and ear exams.
- 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.
- 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 Leah at 952-928-6774 with any questions.
- Click here to view and print the required forms for your child’s Early Childhood Screening appointment.
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.
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.
