Early Childhood Screening is a health and developmental screening that is required by the State of Minnesota for all children before entering kindergarten. State law recommends that screening be completed during the year the child is three.   It includes immunization records review, height, and weight measurement, hearing and vision screening and standardized developmental screening of speech, language, concepts and motor skills and social/emotional development.  Results are summarized during a parent interview.  Early Childhood Screening identifies, at an early age, possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get help before starting school. Free screenings are offered throughout the school year by appointment.  Call 336-8816.

The Help Me Grow/Child Find Program is available free of charge to children starting at birth. If parents, caregivers, family members or physicians have any concern about any area of development for a child they can call the program. A developmental screen is then done by Duluth Public School staff. The screen looks at all areas of development to determine if a child is developing at age expectations. If the child is not, the school staff can help the parents or care givers determine how to best meet the child's needs. Services that are available if a child is eligible may include special instruction, speech, physical or occupational therapy, school social work and nurse time. This program is offered year round for children under the age of three. It can be provided in the home, child care setting or community setting.  Call 336-8744

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) provides individually tailored programs for children with identified areas of need or disabilities from birth through six years of age .  These services include screening, identification, evaluation, special education, related services and support for families.  An individualized educational plan is written for children who qualify for services.  Services are provided in home, community, and classroom settings and are free of charge to families. Call 336-8744.

Head Start is a comprehensive program for children 0-5 years old and their families with incomes below the federal poverty guideline.  Families receive comprehensive services in early childhood education, health and nutrition, parent involvement, special needs coordination, and family support and advocacy.  Preschool children (3 & 4 years old) attend center-based programs and meet four days a week, Monday -Thursday, for 3 1/2 hours per day.  In addition to center-based programming, Duluth Head Start serves families through our Child Care Collaborations and Families in Transition Program.  Call 336-8815 X-2997.

School Readiness is a State funded preschool that is sponsored by the Duluth Public Schools. The School Readiness program provides pre-kindergarten experiences in all areas of learning: Language and Literacy, Social Studies, Science, Math, The Arts, Physical Development and Social/Emotional Development. Parents have the opportunity to participate in the program in a variety of ways.  School Readiness classes meet 3 hours a day, 3 days a week.  Locations are: Lester Park, Piedmont, and Stowe. Since our curriculum is primarily geared to the pre-kindergarten year, priority will be given to those children who are 4 years of age by Sept. 1st.  Enrollment is limited to 20 children per classroom. All children are required to have updated immunizations before starting School Readiness.   Call 336-8890.