Early Childhood Screening
Screenings are recommended between the ages of 3-4, and are required before kindergarten. Schedule your child's screening appointment today!
Early childhood screenings are held in person at Harley Hopkins Family Center.
The early childhood years from birth to age 5 are a time of rapid growth and learning. Early childhood screenings are an important way to check on how your child's development and school readiness skills are progressing before starting kindergarten.
Screening appointments are generally available September-May during regular school hours, with limited number of later afternoon appointments. Appointment times are generally being reserved 6-8 weeks ahead.
About Early Childhood Screening Appointments
- Is Hopkins offering in-person early childhood screenings at this time?
- Why does my child need an early childhood screening?
- What do I need to do before my appointment?
- What if concerns arise at the screening?
- MDE Screening video
Is Hopkins offering in-person early childhood screenings at this time?
Why does my child need an early childhood screening?
What do I need to do before my appointment?
What if concerns arise at the screening?
MDE Screening video
What to Expect at a Screening Appointment
Early childhood screening is a free and simple check of how your child is growing, developing, and learning. Screening at 3 is preferred, but a child may be screened between the ages of 3 and the start of kindergarten as required by the state of Minnesota. This screening may help connect you to other free learning opportunities, such as prekindergarten programming, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Minnesota early learning scholarships for high quality care and education, Head Start, Home Visiting, and Early Childhood Special Education.
At a screening appointment a trained professional will check:
- Vision and hearing
- Immunizations (shots)
- Large and small muscles
- Thinking, language and communication skills
- Social and emotional development
What to bring to a screening appointment:
- Any questions you have about your child’s growth and development.
- Your child’s immunization record (shots).
- Your child’s primary health care provider (doctor) name and number.
- Reviewed and completed screening forms.