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 quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get the help needed before entering kindergarten.

Early Childhood Screening or evidence of a comparable screening by a non-school provider is required for entrance into Minnesota’s public schools or within 30 days of enrollment into kindergarten. Screening documents vision, hearing, height, weight, immunization status, general health review, and development in the areas of communication, concepts, small and large muscles, as well as, social-emotional skills.

NRHEG school district provides screening at the Ellendale Elementary Site multiple times throughout the school year at no cost to families. Early childhood staff, the school speech/language clinician and school nurse, as well as, a community member provide an inviting environment for children and parents during the course of screening.

The next early childhood screening sessions are scheduled for February 18, 19 and 20; March dates are pending. Screening packets will be mailed to parents of children in the age range most appropriate for screening, (between 3 ½ and 4 years of age.) If you are concerned that your child may not be included on the school census, from which the screening lists are developed, please contact Gratia Johnson, school nurse (507-416-2105) or Emily Otto, ECSE teacher, (507-416-2137.) Parents of children older than 4 ½ years of age or older who have not yet been screened are asked to contact Gratia or Emily as soon as possible so a screening appointment can be arranged.