Early childhood evaluations
Is your child meeting developmental milestones?
Every child grows and learns at their own pace. However, it’s helpful for parents or caretakers to be aware of any delays in the developmental areas. Early help can make a big difference in your child’s development.
You may want to request an evaluation if your child:
- Struggles with reading, writing, or math
- Has delayed speech or trouble using words and sentences
- Has frequent behavioral outbursts or big emotional reactions
- Finds it hard to follow directions
- Has trouble staying focused or paying attention
- Gets overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or busy places (sensory challenges)
- Has difficulty walking, running, or using their hands to play
- Doesn’t respond to sounds or has trouble seeing things clearly
- Avoids playing with others or seems uninterested in people
- Struggles to learn new things or solve simple problems
If you notice one or more of these signs, it might be time to ask for an evaluation. The sooner we can identify your child’s needs, the sooner we can help them grow and succeed.
Use the document below as a preliminary guide for measuring developmental milestones.
How we can help
Evaluations for kids ages 3 to 5 years old
Vancouver Public Schools Early Childhood Evaluation Center offers free evaluations for children ages 3 to 5. Our team will gather background information, look at how your child is growing and learning, and screen your child’s vision and hearing. Then, they’ll talk with you about what they notice.
Sometimes, children need further evaluation to assess their area(s) of need, and they may be assessed in these areas:
- Speech and language
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Adaptive skills
- Social skills
- Cognitive skills
The early childhood evaluation team includes a/an:
- School psychologist
- Speech and language pathologist
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Audiologist
- Nurse
- Special education teacher.
Additional specialists can be brought in if needed.
If a child is eligible for services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be created to address their needs.
Pam Edstrom & Joe Lamberton Early Childhood Evaluation Center
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers
Evaluation for children ages birth to 3 years old
Several agencies partner with us to provide a full range of services for infants and toddlers, from birth to 3 years of age.
Agencies include Innovative Services NW Pediatric Therapy, Clark College Child and Family Studies Early Intervention Program and Educational Service District 112’s Early Intervention Program.
Call to schedule an appointment.
Contact
Child find
Searching for children with special needs
Vancouver Public Schools conducts specific activities for the purposes of locating, evaluating and identifying students ages birth to 21 with suspected disabilities who reside within the district’s boundaries. This includes students attending private schools within the VPS attendance area. Early identification of disabilities assists parents, students and schools in the design of appropriate educational services.
Free developmental screenings are available for children ages birth through five.
Children are screened by licensed professionals in the areas of motor, cognitive skills and speech and language. A hearing and vision screening also may be conducted. Developmental screening can identify children who are in need of further evaluation and/or participation in early intervention or early childhood services that address their areas of need.
For children ages birth through 2 years of age, please call Educational Services District 112 at 360-750-7500.
For children ages 3 to 5 years of age, contact our early childhood evaluation center: early.childhood@vansd.