Child Find Screenings

Our screening is a quick look at how your child is developing. We will identify if your child’s development is within age expectations. If your child does not pass our screening, we may recommend a comprehensive evaluation. Our screening is the first step in a special education identification process.

We screen the following areas:

• Speech/Language
• Learning
• Social/Behavioral
• Self-help
• Fine Motor (small motor skills)
• Gross Motor (large motor skills)
• Vision
• Hearing

Learn more about age-appropriate developmental milestone guidance on the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families website.   

DCYF Developmental Milestones

Willard Early Learning Center: 3201 South D St, Tacoma

One parent and child. Please do not bring other children. We want to give your child our undivided attention.

Our screenings are comprehensive and will include all developmental areas.

Yes! Children can show different behaviors and skills at home compared to a preschool or childcare setting. Your care provider may have insights into your child’s development that could impact their participation in a school-based program.

We will arrange to have an interpreter present at your screening appointment.

Screening appointments last approximately 60 minutes.

You will receive a packet of paperwork via US Mail, one week prior to your child’s appointment. Paperwork to complete and bring with you to your appointment includes:

• Self-care/behavior checklist
• Proof of Residency in the Tacoma School District along with verification documentation

Families rotate between six screening stations.

You will receive the results of your child’s screening at the end of your screening appointment

Click here to initiate the screening process

Child Find Screening Registration

If our team identifies potential delays, we will schedule a second appointment for an in-depth evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for specially designed instruction or related therapy services.

Children are evaluated using standardized and/or informal assessment measures, parent and teacher (if applicable) rating scales, clinical and preschool/childcare observations.

We will arrange to have an interpreter present at all evaluation and results appointments.

Our team will meet with you again to share the results of your child’s evaluation and determine eligibility and need for services.

• Speech or motor services at your neighborhood school
• Preschool in one of our district half-day preschool programs
• Eligibility does not guarantee placement into a preschool program

We have preschool programs located in 30+ elementary schools across the district.

We assign children to the closest available program to your home or childcare. TPS offers school choice starting in kindergarten.

We only provide transportation from addresses located within TPS boundaries.

We do not require toilet training to participate in our preschool programs.

• Screening: within 25 school days of receiving your referral.
• Evaluation: within 35 school days after receiving consent for evaluation.
• Individualized Education Program (IEP): within 30 calendar days after eligibility determination.