Last Early Childhood Screening of the Year

By Carol Boynton
Lewiston Journal Editor

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 3 to 4 years. It identifies, at an early stage, possible learning or health concerns so that children can get needed help before starting school. Early Childhood Screening is not a kindergarten entrance test, however, it is required for entrance in Minnesota’s public schools.
Components of this one time screening include: growth measurements, vision, hearing, immunization status, health and nutrition status, speech and developmental assessments, and a parent interview. Again, the purpose of ECS is; to find out how your child is doing, connect you and your child to early childhood programs and other community services, and answer your parenting questions.
Lewiston-Altura School District will be conducting it’s last Early Childhood Screening of this school year on February 19th from 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM. This screening is free of charge.
Please call the elementary school at 523-2194 for more information and/or to make an appointment. Appointments are required. Again, it is best to screen your child as soon as they turn 3 ½ years of age. If you have an older child (ages 4-5) who has not yet been screened, they must be screened at this screening!