Early Childhood Development Screening Test Day
By: Shayla Patrick
Updated: March 11, 2013
"We are doing our preschool screenings, it serves as a screening for any type of delay that might need attention," said Cheryle Costley, Director of Early Childhood Eductation.
At just 4-years-old, experts say gauging Peyton's ability to count, build, and articulate letters and sounds is crucial. "Research shows the earliest intervention for a difficulty, the better," says Costley.
According the to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13% of children ages 3 and up have some type of delay or disability, yet fewer than half are identified before starting school. It's a startling statistic for parents.
"I'm always nervous because I want my child to do good, I want them to tell me he did great," states Morganne Vanderpool, Parent.
Getting answers can benefit parents as well.
"The purpose of the screening is to not only identify early needs for intervention, but also as an opportunity to reinforce to parents that they are doing a good job," says Costley.
The screenings focus on 3 basic areas: motor skills, understanding of concepts, and a child's command on language, and the results are immediate. The average screening takes about 1 hour from start to finish. At the end, parents meet with a teacher to go over the results.
"You're with your kid all the time, and yeah you work with them and you do things, but to have an outsiders opinion, I think it's definitely worth it. Even if it takes 2 hours, I think it's definitely worth it. It just gives you peace of mind," says Costley.
Today's event was the second and final mass screening day for Carl Junction this spring, but if you missed it, you can still schedule a free appointment by calling the Carl Junction Early Childhood Education Center.


