By Daniel Nash

The Courier-Herald

The Sumner School District is offering free developmental screenings for area preschool-aged children.

Children aged 3 to 5 years can be taken to the school district’s Special Services office for a Childfind screening.

The screening does not determine whether a child will eventually be placed in special education services, but rather helps to gain an overall picture of a child’s development. The results of the screening may prompt the office to decide an evaluation is needed to determine if a child requires special education services.

Each screening assesses the child in areas of cognition, communication, fine and gross motor movement, social skills, emotion and self help.

“Anyone living within the school district having a concern about his or her child’s development is urged to take advantage of this service,” Communications Director Ann Cook said in a press release.

Screenings are done each month from September to May, with no appointments made in December. Appointments are required for a screening.

To make an appointment, contact the Special Services office at 253-891-6036.