Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening is conducted for children between the ages of 3.5 and 5 years of age. Early Childhood Screening is required for entrance into kindergarten and is offered throughout the year. Parents/guardians may call 651-621-7421 to make an Early Childhood Screening appointment for their child.

• Early Childhood Screening provides a free, quick and simple check of how a child is doing during an important time of rapid learning and growth. The best age for screening is between ages 3.5 and 4.
• Early Childhood Screening identifies possible learning or health concerns so that a child can get the help needed before starting school

Vision and Hearing Screening

Vision and Hearing Screening is conducted at school according to the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health. Initial screening is conducted by parent volunteers trained by the Licensed School Nurse. Parents/guardians are invited to contact the school Health Office and volunteer to assist with screening.

Vision Screening is conducted for:

• Distance Vision: Early Childhood Screening, Kindergarten, Grades One, Three and Five
• Eye Muscle Balance: Grade One
• Color Vision: Grade One
• Students with IEPs by Health Care Specialists at the time of initial and periodic re-evaluations
• Students may be tested at any other time at parent/guardian or teacher request

Follow-up/Referral

• For students who do not pass the initial screening by a volunteer the Licensed School Nurse and/or Health Care Specialist does follow-up testing
• The Licensed School Nurse reviews the student’s history and provides the parent/guardian with a referral for further medical evaluation based on criteria established by the Minnesota Department of Health
• If there is financial need, the Licensed School Nurse will assist a parent/guardian to obtain a medical evaluation for the student and glasses if needed (Parent/guardians are encouraged to contact the Licensed School Nurse when the referral is received if assistance is needed)

Hearing Screening

Hearing Screening is conducted for all students entering kindergarten and first grade. Also, the following students would participate in a hearing screening:

• Students with a history of hearing/ear problems
• Students with IEPs by Health Care Specialists at the time of initial and periodic re-evaluations
• Students may be tested at any other time at parent/guardian or teacher request

Follow-up/Referral

• For students who do not pass the initial screening by a volunteer the Licensed School Nurse does further assessment including middle ear function
• The Licensed School Nurse reviews the student’s history and provides the parent/guardian with a referral for further medical evaluation based on criteria established by the Minnesota Department of Health
• If there is financial need, the Licensed School Nurse will assist a parent/guardian to obtain a medical evaluation for the student (Parent/guardians are encouraged to contact the Licensed School Nurse when the referral is received if assistance is needed)