February 2026 - Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening is a free and simple check of how your child is growing, developing and learning. A trained professional will check:

• Vision and hearing
• Height and weight
• Immunizations
• Large and small muscles
• Thinking, language and communication skills
• Social and emotional development (via parent-completed questionnaire)

You will also be able to talk about the screening results with a professional and discuss any concerns you may have.

Screening between the ages of 3 and 4 provides the best opportunity for any health or developmental concerns to be found early. When screening results indicate to families and screeners that they need to take a closer look at a child’s development, the child may be referred for a health assessment, early childhood mental health assessment or an educational evaluation. Screening does not diagnose.

Early Childhood Screening is a free program in Minnesota that checks how a child is developing and growing. Screening supports children as successful learners and promotes positive developmental outcomes. Screening may also lead to referrals for early learning opportunities.

Where is screening held? Early Childhood Screening Office, District Program Center, 8400 E. Point Douglas Rd. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016

What if my child has already been screened? If your child has been screened in another district, please send the screening summary to our office: screening@sowashco.org, Fax: 651-425-2720

For additional information or assistance with scheduling an appointment, call our Early Learning office at 651-425-7160 or 651-425-7181.

• If you need an interpreter, please call us at: 651-425-7160 or 651-425-7181
• Español: Si usted no entiende la información, por favor llámenos al (651) 425-7209
• Hmoob: Yog koj tsis totaub qhov tsab ntawv, thov hu rau vim muaj yam tseem ceem. Ua koj tsaug. 651-425-7160
• Ti?ng Vi?t: N?u b?n không hi?u các thông tin, xin vui lòng g?i cho chúng tôi 651-425-7160
• Soomaaliga: Haddii aad u baahan tahay turjumaan, fadlan wac 651-425-7160

Written notice: Eye exam and declining questions

"Early childhood developmental screening helps a school district identify children who may benefit from district and community resources available to help in their development. Early childhood developmental screening includes a vision screening that helps detect potential eye problems but is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam."

"The parent or guardian may decline to answer questions or provide information about family circumstances that might affect development and identification of risk factors that may influence learning."

"Declining to answer questions or provide information does not prevent the child from being enrolled in kindergarten or first grade if all other screening components are met."