Early Childhood Screening

School districts (and charters who elect to provide health and developmental screening programs) are required to complete an early childhood developmental screening on all children prior to or within 30 days of entering kindergarten or first grade, with programs targeting children ages three and four (Minnesota Statute § 121A.17). Screening is also required within the first 90 days of prekindergarten (Voluntary prekindergarten, School Readiness, School Readiness Plus, and Early Childhood Scholarships. The screening program must include, at minimum, the following components:  

• developmental and social emotional screening (Minnesota Rules 3530.3400),  
• hearing and vision screening,  
• the date of the child's most recent comprehensive vision examination, if any,
• immunization review and referral,
• the child's height and weight, health care provider/coverage review
• identification of risk factors that may influence learning,  
• an interview with the parent about the child, and  
• referral for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment when potential needs are identified.

Forms, professional learning videos, resources for parents and program standards can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education Early Childhood Screening page. Virtual screening may be provided for families who request it based on health or immunocompromised health concerns (Minnesota Statutes § 121A.17).

Because the Licensed School Nurse (LSN) has professional expertise in all these areas, the school nurse is often a vital team member in coordinating, developing, and carrying out high quality early childhood screening programs. School districts receive reimbursement for early childhood screening.

Resource

A very helpful resource to school nurses for Early Childhood Screening and for working with families with children birth to 8 years old is Help Me Connect. This navigator connects expectant families and those with young children and those working with families to services within their local community such as local early childhood screening programs, disability services and resources, early learning and child care, American Indian Families, basic needs, dental and health care, and legal services plus many more.