Screening Services

Developmental Screening Services

Early Learning of Columbia Public Schools provides FREE screening services for children (6 months to kindergarten entry).

 Why have your child screened?

Screening is a developmental check-up, similar to the physical check-up a child has with a doctor.  The purpose is to ensure that each child is developing as expected for their age level. The screening checks vital areas of development such as communication, motor skills, problem solving, and social emotional development.  Experienced screeners can provide strategies and recommendations for follow-up activities and/or refer to additional services.

Who Can Be Screened?

Infant/Toddlers (6 months to 35 months of age): Call Parents as Teachers at (573) 214-3955 to schedule an appointment for your child.  If no one answers, please leave a detailed voicemail and our staff will return your call. Screenings are held at the Parents as Teachers office located at 2191 Smiley Lane, Columbia, MO.  This service is for any infant/toddler who is NOT receiving home visits from Parents as Teachers.  Those receiving home visits will typically be screened in the home. 

Preschoolers (36 months to Kindergarten entry):  Click here to schedule an appointment for your child. This service is for all children who reside in the Columbia Public School District. In addition to learning valuable information about your child's development, this screening is the first step to see if a child will qualify for any preschool services offered by Columbia Public Schools. Screenings for this age are held at the Center for Early North located at 2191 Smiley Lane, Columbia, MO. If you have questions about preschool screening, please call (573) 214-3585.

What to Expect

• Parents who call to schedule an appointment will be asked some basic questions about their child and will be instructed about forms they will need to complete BEFORE coming for the child’s screening appointment.
• Each child will be screened in the areas of health, vision, hearing, and overall development that includes social emotional development.  This screening should not take the place of regular checkups with a healthcare professional (doctor, health clinic, etc.).
• During the child’s appointment, parents will work with a screening specialist.  They will summarize the results of the child’s screening, provide parents with written results and make recommendations for follow-up activities and/or refer to additional services.

Hearing & Vision Screening Services

Parents as Teachers partners with KidSight MO and MU’s Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences to offer free vision and hearing screenings for children ages six months to six years as part of PAT's First Wednesday program. Registration is not required for either vision or hearing screening.

Upcoming Dates:

• February 4th from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
• March 4th from 4:30 to 6:00 pm 
• April 1st from 4:30 to 6:00 pm