Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening (ECS) is a program that helps:

• To find out how your child is growing and developing.
• To connect parent and child with school and community resources if needed.
• To answer any parenting questions/concerns you may have.

The screening is required by law for entrance into Kindergarten in Minnesota public schools. It is important to have children screened at an early age so there is adequate time to obtain help for any identified concerns before the child enters school. There is no cost to families for Early Childhood Screening.

School District 622 invites all children, 3 years old and older, to screening.

Minnesota state law requires that all children participate in Early Childhood Screening before entering a public school kindergarten. Some private schools also require it. 

Children who attend Head Start or Early Childhood Special Education programs may not need to be screened.

Screening is not required for your child's entry into kindergarten or first grade if you are a conscientious objector to screening. Please call to obtain the required form.

Screening provides a way for parents to learn more about their child and find out about resources to prepare your child for school success.

Early Childhood Screening is required by state law.

School District 622 invites all children, 3 years old and older, to screening. Early screening will confirm that your child is either progressing normally or experiencing delays that will benefit from early intervention.

If your child is younger than 3 years old and you have concerns about development, please call Early Childhood Information and Referral. In Ramsey County, call 651-604-3700. In Washington County, call 651-430-6700.

• vision and hearing check
• growth screening
• immunization review
• developmental progress using a standardized tool
• family health and development review
• information and resources for your child

It does not include recommendations on whether your child is ready for kindergarten. Kindergarten entrance is based on the district age criteria of 5 years of age on or before September 1 and a parent's decision.

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.

In School District 622, a licensed teacher and a registered nurse will screen your child.

Your child's Head Start program is authorized to complete an Early Childhood Screening.

Your family physician may do the screening if a standardized development test is used. Check with your doctor's office to see if their screening meets the state's requirements. Please bring a signed Physician's Summary Report to your child's school.

Call 651-702-8468 to make an appointment or register online.

Screening appointments are offered weekdays between September and May. Appointment times fill up quickly, so please call early. Each appointment will take about 1 to 1.5 hours and a parent will stay with their child throughout the screening. There is no cost to families for Early Childhood Screening.

Bring your child healthy, well-rested, fed and in comfortable clothes.

Assure your child that they will be playing games with a teacher. Most children have fun at screening.

Bring your completed Screening Registration to screening.

Allow 1 - 1.5 hours for registration, screening, and summary.

If possible, arrange care for siblings so you can focus on the child being screened.

You will fill out registration forms, watch your child complete the screening activities, and review the process at the end.

Your child will have their height and weight recorded, do some developmental activities with a teacher, and have their vision and hearing checked by a nurse.