What is the primary purpose of early childhood preschool screenings?

The primary purpose of early childhood preschool screenings is to identify children who require additional supports. These screenings are designed to assess various developmental areas, such as speech and language, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional functioning. By identifying specific needs early, educators and caregivers can provide interventions or supports tailored to help each child's development and learning progress.

This proactive approach allows for timely assistance, which can enhance a child's readiness for school and improve long-term educational outcomes. While aspects like classifying disabilities or referring children for evaluations are related, the central focus of these screenings is to pinpoint needs to ensure that children receive the appropriate support when it's most beneficial.