Early Childhood Screening

Screening for 3 1/2 to 5 Year Olds

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 children are doing between the ages of three and a half to five years. It identifies, at an early stage, possible learning or health concerns so that children can get needed help before starting school. Screening in early childhood supports children's readiness for kindergarten and promotes positive child health and developmental outcomes. Early Childhood Screening is not a kindergarten entrance test.

Early Childhood Screening is preferred for entrance in Eden Valley-Watkin's School Readiness program and is required for enterance into Kindergarten.  Early Childhood Screening is offered the first Friday in the months of December and March. All three and a half to five year old children must be screened. Early Childhood Screening or a comparable comprehensive screening is required for public school kindergarten entrance.

The screening process:

• Provides an opportunity for young children and their families to access a wide variety of services and early childhood programs; and

• Promotes and supports parents understanding of their child's health, development, and learning.

The developmental screening instruments used in the Eden Valley-Watkins School District are recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for use in comprehensive screening programs for children in Minnesota and are approved by the Minnesota Department of Education for use in the Early Childhood Screening Program.

Assessments include:

• Vision, hearing, developmental screening (cognitive, fine and gross motor, language and social emotional development),immunizations, physical growth, risk factors that influence learning, referral for health care coverage, summary interview with parent. (Minnesota Statutes § 121A. 17)

Early Childhood Screening will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024.  We aim to screen children between 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 years old.  To make an appointment for your child contact: Amanda Meierhofer at (320) 453-2900 ext. 3116 or email ameierhofer@evw.k12.mn.us 

*For other districts requesting screening records please contact Lori Unterberger at 320-453-2900 Ext. 2134 or email at lunterberger@evw.k12.mn.us

Please download the following forms (double sided), complete and bring with you to your screening appointment: