Deadline Is Sept. 30 to Sign Up for Important Oct. 6 Preschool Screenings

I'm going to add a little personal note prior to this announcement, courtesy of School District 304.

Many, many years ago, we took both our kids to the preschool screenings for 3- to 5-year-olds.

We're so glad we did.

And we've heard the success story told over and over from other parents. Preschool screening—as I recall and if it hasn't changed—helps identify a number of potential disabilities, from hearing and speech development to cognitive, social and emotional development.

The screening is mandated by state law, but the benefit truly is for the child and the parents, making sure that kids are getting the human resources they need. Geneva School District 304 has been a remarkable blessing, and we're grateful for all the things educators have done to help our kids learn and become the best students they can be.

So now, here's the information you need to make sure your kids are getting the school resources they need.

Keep in mind that, though the screening is Oct. 6, the registration deadline is Sept. 30.

Preschool screening

State law indicates that all children with qualifying disabilities between the ages of 3 and 5 years must be provided with programs appropriate to their needs. The School District must offer an annual screening of these children in order to determine need and eligibility for services. Eligible children must be preschool age and reside within the district.

Geneva School District 304 is providing a free screening to assess your child's development in the following areas: Vision and Hearing, Speech and Language, Cognitive and Motor, and Social and Emotional. This screening is optional. It is not a requirement for enrolling in preschool and is not designed to determine kindergarten readiness.

We are currently registering for the Oct. 6 screening. Registration is due by Friday, Sept. 30.

Screenings take approximately one hour. Appointments are necessary and students must be pre-registered. Please contact Friendship Station at (630) 444-8500 for registration information.

This information is courtesy of School District 304.