Early Childhood Screening
To schedule an Early Childhood Screening Appointment, click here.
Thank you for taking the time to read more about Early Childhood Screening. There are many common misunderstandings about the purpose of screening. The purpose of screening is to help a school identify children who may benefit from additional resources before entering Kindergarten. The information below will help you better understand what to expect with your child’s screening.
What EC Screening WILL do...
use different tools to help see how a child is growing and developing.
show us strengths and skills – what your child CAN do!
show us what your child is not doing yet.
help to identify which children could benefit from further evaluation.
gives parents a chance to talk about any concerns they have.
children screened at 3 years will have different questions/tasks than a child screened at 4 years.
What EC Screening will NOT do....
Screening will NOT provide a recommendation on whether your child is ready for kindergarten. Kindergarten entrance is based solely on the district age criteria of 5 years of age (before September 1st) and parent decision.
Screening is NOT a placement test for Kindergarten.
Screening is NOT an IQ test.
After screening is complete:
- Staff will let you know the same day if your child’s development is:
on track (there is no “pass” or “fail”)
monitor (re-check in 3-6 months)
further evaluation recommended
Early childhood screening includes a vision screening that helps detect potential eye problems but is NOT a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.
In Minnesota, all children are required to complete Early Childhood Screening before they enter public school kindergarten. Screening should be done once your child is 3 years old. This is an opportunity for you to review your child’s growth and development and to follow up on any concerns. It includes a developmental assessment, vision and hearing testing, height and weight measurement, immunization and health history review and a parent interview. Screening IS NOT an examination to determine readiness for school. Rather, its purpose is to identify conditions which might interfere with your child’s ability to learn. Appointment letters will be sent to all families with age eligible children who are on the Rush City School District Census. Please call Rush City Early Childhood at 320-358-3635 if you are not sure if your child is on the census.
If a parent is a conscientious objector or does not want the screening for their child, they may give the district a signed statement and the child does not need to complete the screening (Minnesota Statutes, Section 121A.17, Subdivision 3(e). View Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.16-19 and Minnesota Rules, part 3530.3000-4310 for more information.
To conscientiously object, please fill out this form.