Early Childhood Screening - September 2 2026

Early Childhood Screening  

Who should be screened?

All children between the ages of three and five are recommended to be screened.  Ideally, we recommend you complete your child’s screening at 3.5 years.

The early years are a critical time for growth and brain development. This brief, play-based screening looks at how your little one is navigating the world—from how they hear and see to how they move their muscles and use their words. 

The goal isn’t to find faults or provide any sort of diagnosis; instead, it's about ensuring every child has the right tools in their backpack. By identifying a child’s unique strengths and potential needs early on, we can celebrate their milestones and provide a little extra boost in areas where they might need a bit of support.

If your child has been screened by another school district, Early Childhood Special Education, or Head Start, they do not need to be screened again. 

At your child's screening we will check your child's:

• Vision and hearing
• Height and weight
• Immunizations (shots)
• Large and small muscles
• Thinking, language and communication skills
• Age-based development skills

Most children experience it as a series of simple games. A screener might ask your child to jump on one foot, name some colors, count a few blocks, or draw a simple shape. 

Our Commitment to Families

At Delano Community Education, our goal is simple:

• If you have questions about your child’s development, we want to support you by providing resources and connections
• If you do not have concerns, we support that too.  It's still highly encouraged to have your child screened. 
• If something unexpected appears during screening (such as a vision or hearing referral), we provide information and connections so you can decide what is best for your child.

You remain the decision-maker. We are here as partners.
In Minnesota, screening is required before entering kindergarten in a public school, but we encourage families to view it as a supportive resource available and recommended for all children, regardless of where you choose to go to school.

How should I prepare my child?

The best preparation is a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast! You can tell your child they are going to play some learning games with a new friend. There’s no need to tutor them beforehand—we just want to see their authentic, wonderful selves.

Early Childhood Screening: What It Is — And What It Is Not

✔ What It Is

• A brief, snap-shot of a child’s development 
• A look at hearing, vision, motor skills, speech, and early learning
• An opportunity for families to ask questions or share concerns
• A way to identify strengths and support needs early
• A partnership between families and our early learning educators

✘ What It Is Not

• A kindergarten entrance exam
• A substitute or replacement of a well-child check-up with your healthcare provider
• A pass/fail test
• A judgment of parenting
• A decision about school placement

For more information or if you have questions about screening contact Delano Community Education at 763-972-6210 or email delanocommunityed@delanoschools.org. 

How To Register: 

1.Go to delano.arux.app

2. Explore Programs

3. Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

4. Early Childhood Screening

5. Then click on “Browse All Programs in Early Childhood Screening”. 

6. Scroll to find the day that works best for you. 

7. Once you select a day, register for the time slot that works best for your schedule. If the time slot says “full” please choose another time.

8. Checkout to complete the process - NO FEE is required. Please make sure your mailing address is current as we need to mail you forms to complete to bring to your screening appointment.

For more information or if you have questions about screening contact the Early Childhood Coordinator, Becca Seiberlich, at Becca.Seiberlich@delanoschools.org or 763-972-6210.