To: Parents
of Preschoolers ages 3 to 5
From: Glenda
Christianson, RN, LSN
Licensed
School Nurse
Pine
City Schools
Re: Early
Childhood Screening
Has
your child completed Early Childhood Screening?
All children between the ages of 3 1/2 and 5
should be screened. Early
Childhood Screening identifies, at an early stage, possible health or learning
concerns, so that children can get help before
starting school.
Early
Childhood Screening is required by Minnesota Law.
The following are your ŇChild and
Parent Rights, Obligations, and AssurancesÓ in relation to Early Childhood
Screening in the State of Minnesota:
1. The
standards for screening are the same for every child regardless of race,
income, creed, sex, national origin, or political beliefs.
2. Screening
is required for your childŐs entry into public school kindergarten or first
grade. This requirement is met if
your child has participated in a screening through Head Start, Child and Teen
Checkups, or equivalent screening through another provider within the past
year. The screening summary results
must be given to your childŐs school district.
3. Screening
is not required for your childŐs entry into kindergarten or first grade if you
are a conscientious objector to screening.
4. You
have the right to refuse any of this screening for your child and still receive
any of the other screening parts.
5. You
have the right to refuse referral for assessment, diagnosis, and possible
treatment for your child.
6. Your
childŐs medical assistance eligibility or eligibility in any other health,
education, or social service programs will not be affected if you refuse this
screening or any parts of this screening.
This screening does not replace on-going care
from your health care provider or dentist.
What
does all this mean? What do I need
to do?
Your options/choices are outlined on the backside
of this memo. Please contact me if
this does not answer all of your questions about the Early Childhood Screening
process.
If
your child has been screened by another provider:
If Headstart or another school district screened
your child, please notify me. I will need a copy of the screening results or
the location and approximate date of the screening in order to obtain a copy of
the records.
If
your child has not been screened:
To schedule a screening: Please call Tara or Kim at the
elementary school health office at 320-629-4214. Indicate to the health office staff that
you would like to schedule an early childhood screen.
PLEASE NOTE:
We have a new location for Early Childhood
Screening. All screenings will
be held in the Early Childhood area of the Elementary School. Parking and the entrance door are on the
south side of the school.
If
you feel that your child does not need to be screened and would like to be
considered conscientiously opposed to screening, please contact me and I will
assist you with the appropriate paperwork.
If
your child will NOT be attending Pine City Schools:
In order to maintain small class sizes we need to
know in advance which children will be attending Pine City Schools. Please notify me and we will remove your
child from our class lists.
You may contact me at:
Office phone: 320-620-4214
email : gchristianson@pinecity. K12.mn.us
fax: 320-629-4205
I look forward to meeting you and your child!