Screening

Each month we are going to highlight a specific service that is provided by members of the special education staff. This month's publication will focus on screening for preschool and kindergarten. Next month, we will move to services for students age fifteen and older and focus on transition from high school to careers.

Screening students is a component of special education services commonly referred to as "child find." It is every school system's obligation to ensure educational services to children at the age of three years if a child requires some form of specialized instruction or related services such as speech, occupational therapy, etc.

Our child find process has two components. The first is ongoing communication with the Kennedy Donovan Early Intervention Program. Mrs. Burgess, our principal at the Early Learning Center, communicates with E.I. to determine the services needed for students who live in N. Attleborough.

The second avenue of our child find process is advertising in local newspapers on a quarterly basis and on our web page to inform parents of screenings and services. Parents who wish to respond to the advertisements may call the Early Learning Center to make an appointment for their child's screening. Our staff members complete screening on Friday and results are sent to parents within the next two weeks.

The screening consists of a variety of assessments including cognitive concepts, speech, occupational and physical therapy and usually require about an hour. All screenings occur at the E.L.C.

If a child requires specialized services, parents are notified and a more extensive evaluation is completed. The findings of this evaluation are discussed with parents and, if required, arrangements are made to begin services. All children ages three through five are eligible for a screening. Parents may contact the E.L.C. at 508-643-2145 if more information is needed or if they wish to arrange an appointment.

The screening of all students entering kindergarten occurs in the early Spring. We advertise registration dates and times in the Sun Chronicle and the Free Press, during which parents arrange a screening appointment. If a student has difficulty with one or more of the screening assessments, parents will be notified and a decision will be made to determine if a more extensive evaluation may be appropriate.