Early Childhood Screening

Is it time for screening?

It is time for Early Childhood Screening if your child has reached 3 years of age. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns so that children can get help before they start school. You can now schedule your early childhood screening online. Please click on the Schedule Your Appointment below. If you have questions about early childhood screening, please contact your home district or New Prague Area Schools Early Childhood Screening at (952) 758-1674.

What is Early Childhood Screening (ECS)?

ECS is a free health and developmental screening that meets Minnesota State’s requirements for all children to be screened before entering kindergarten. ECS includes a review of health history and immunizations, a vision and hearing check, height, weight, and a developmental screening. Early Childhood Screening includes a vision screening that helps detect potential eye problems, but is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Please view the short video below to give you more information about early childhood screening.

Early Childhood Screening Parent Video:

Why does my child need to be screened?

A developmental screening is required by Minnesota law prior to kindergarten entrance. It is reassuring for parents to know that their child is acquiring the skills necessary for success in school. A screening can also identify potential health or learning problems that need further evaluation. ECS can link families to community programs and services.

Screening appointments are scheduled online.

New Prague District screens on Thursday afternoons from September through May.

Screenings are held at:

New Prague Area Schools ISD #721
Central Education Campus
410 Central Ave. North
New Prague, MN 56071
(952) 758-1674

If your child has been screened by another school district, Early Childhood Special Education, or Headstart, your child does not need to be screened again, but a summary copy must be on file with the current school district you are attending. Contact Sharon at the ECS office and we can provide information on how to have screening records forwarded to the school district.

If you have a child age birth to 5 years and do not receive district EC brochures, make sure you are registered with the New Prague Area Schools District Office. Complete the registration process by clicking on the following link, New Prague Area Schools Online Registration. If you have questions about the registration process, please contact, Janelle Sasse at [email protected] or (952) 758-1703. For more information on Early Childhood Screening or to schedule an appointment, contact Sharon at the Early Learning office at (952) 758-1674.