Dial Pre-School Screening set to begin

Preparations are being made for a Preschool Screening for children from the ages of birth to 5 ½ years old. Screening tests are not diagnostic. They identify individuals who are suspect and therefore may require a diagnostic follow-up.

The Denver II is used for screening children from birth to three years of age. The DIAL-3 is used for ages 3-5 1/2.

Malta Public Schools Child Find Policy is to screen children from Birth to 21 years old. The District's normal procedure is to screen ages 6 - 21 through the school. The preschool screening is scheduled to take place at the Malta Lutheran Church on Wednesday, March 25thth from 8:30 A.M. - 2:15 P.M. The areas screened will consist of Motor, Concepts, Language, Hearing and Vision.

We will also hold Kindergarten Registration for the 2015-2016 school year at this time. Please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate with you to register.

The Denver II Developmental Screening Test (DDST) is used to screen children from birth to 3 years of age. The Denver II is a general developmental screening test that primarily evaluates personal-social ability, fine motor-adaptive skills, language, and gross motor skills. The Denver II screening will be available from 8:30 A.M. – 2:15 P.M.

Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning - (DIAL-3) is an individually administered screening test designed to identify young children in need of further diagnostic assessment or curricular modification. DIAL-3 is an un-timed assessment of motor, conceptual, and language behaviors demonstrated by children between the ages of three and six years old. The child's social/emotional behavior during DIAL-3 screening can also be used to provide the basis for further effective assessment. DIAL-3 can help identify children with potential developmental problems who are in need of further assessment or special education, potentially advanced children, children who may be "at risk" for environmental reasons, and identify a child's strengths and weaknesses in order to plan instruction appropriate for individual needs.

This year children will be screened by Malta Elementary School Staff.

Please call the Malta Elementary School (654-2320) to make an appointment for the DIAL-3 or Denver II screening. The screening is set up on an appointment basis to reduce waiting time. The Preschool Screening takes approximately 60-90 minutes per child. The screening is sponsored by the Big Sky Builders 4-H Club, who will also be furnishing treats for the children at the end of the screening.