Child Find Early Learning Screenings

Early Learning Child Find seeks to identify and assist families with young children ages three to five years who are not currently enrolled in school and may need special education services. Free Child Find screenings are held throughout the school year and take approximately one and a half hours to complete. During this time, a free vision, hearing, speech/language, social/emotional, self-help, motor skills, and learning concepts screening will be conducted with the child, with additional input from parents. Parents are encouraged to bring with them any developmental and/or medical documentation concerning their child that they would like the screening team to consider.

Appointments 

An appointment is required for a free Early Learning Child Find screening. If your child is already in school, please contact your school principal to discuss your concerns.

Please complete the Child Find Intake form to request an Early Learning Child Find screening. Upon providing your contact information, a staff member from Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center will be in touch with you via phone or email to discuss options. If you have any questions before then, you are welcome to call our main office at 360-279-5928.

Child Find Intake Form

Children Under 3

If your child is under the age of three, you can inquire to see if they qualify to receive special program assistance through STEPS. Parents can call 360.679.1039 or email steps@takingstepstogether.org for more information.

In preparation for entry into kindergarten, our district offers programs that help families with young children get a boost in promoting learning skills and assessing development. Programs are free with advance registration.

Kindergarten Ready 

This program is offered free during the school year to families who live in Oak Harbor and may need assistance in helping their child become ready for kindergarten. Consecutive class sessions are conducted by early learning specialists who provide instruction in learning development, plus games and activities for babies and toddlers. Parents also receive free learning toys to encourage fun and growth. Get more information on the Ready for Kindergarten website, or contact Juliet Colter at 360.279.5941. 

Additional information for incoming Kindergarten families can be found on our Kinder Families Guide page.

Transition to Kindergarten (TK) is a legislatively established and authorized program for children who are at least 4-years-old by August 31 and have been identified through a screening process to be in need of additional preparation to be successful kindergarten students in the following school year.

The TK application is now closed for the 2024-2025 school year. All students who meet qualifications will be screened during the first week of September.