Kindergarten Screening
All school systems are responsible for identifying children who
may need special education. This is usually accomplished through
a screening process. A screening is a brief examination of your
child's current skills in the domains of development. Schools
often use a formalized test to measure the child's current level
of performance in academic and motor skills areas. All students
entering public school for the first time, and transfer students
of all ages, must be screened. However, screening may be waived
if there is a record of a previous screening or your child has
previously been identified as needing special education services.
Many school districts hold their "kindergarten screening"
in May or June for children entering kindergarten the following
fall. The school district determines which school personnel will
carry out the screening. Typically, teachers, school nurses, speech
therapists, or other educational specialists will participate.
Screenings are provided at no cost to the parent. Check with
your local school district for more information on the screening
process in your district.
Parents should note that any child in the state of Maine who
is age 5 on or before October 15th is eligible to attend public
school. The school cannot refuse to admit a child who is of legal
age because the child is "not ready” or "not mature
enough.” Parents choosing to keep a child out of public school
when their child is legally eligible may encounter difficulties
when trying to obtain services. Child Development Services (CDS)
are not required to provide services once a child reaches the
age of 5 and is eligible for public school.
As a parent, you will be informed about the results of the kindergarten
screening and should question any information that you don't understand
or that doesn't seem consistent with your observation of your
child. If the screening process indicates that your child may
be in need of special education and supportive services, your
child will be referred to a Pupil Evaluation Team (PET) to determine
if further evaluation is needed. You will be sent a written notice
of the referral before any action can be taken. At the PET Meeting
you should ask what additional evaluations will be used to confirm
the findings of the screening.
FMI: See, REFERRAL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION,
Chapter 3.
| What Has Worked For Some
Parents... |
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"My child sailed right through
the kindergarten screening. It wasn't until later
that we realized he had underlying attention and learning
difficulties. I would encourage parents to request
evaluations anytime there are concerns about their
child's educational, social and emotional development."
"I was very uncomfortable during
kindergarten screening. My child had been at home
during her preschool years and seemed fine to me.
Each time they tried to get my child to respond, she
didn't seem to understand what they wanted. I started
asking questions about what they were doing and why.
It was a difficult time seeing other children whiz
through the test while my child was struggling. It
was just the beginning of understanding and addressing
her needs."
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