Preschool Screening!

Today, the girls went in for preschool screening. James and I debated for awhile about waiting (since they are barely three), but since they went back to back to back half days, rather than full days, we decided to give it a shot. The girls really need the social interaction with people other than mom. They did this so that they were able to serve more of the community with all the layoffs our poor town has faced lately. Anyway, at preschool screening the check each childs Eyes, ears and teeth to see if there are any concerns and the girls were just fine, which we knew because they have already been to the dentist and eye doctor.

After they check their eyes, ears, and teeth; each kid is given a Dial-3 test. This test is just for the teachers to see where your child is developmentally and to see what areas they might need some assistance in. This test checks their motor skills, language skills, concept skills, as well as basic behavior skills.

Of course my angels did great in the behavior section, other than being a little shy. I had to keep reminding myself that they only turned three about two weeks ago. I kept looking at this test (I've given them before) and thinking, "Oh, my they are really behind." This is a test that is used on ages 3-5, but geared more for ages 4-5.

In motor skills they check things like touching fingers to thumb, hopping on both feet and a single foot, and cutting. For their age group they did well. Kierstyn was able to catch a bean bag twice with both hands, do what they call a hop-skip, build structures with three blocks, and touch one hand fingers to thumb in order. Kariana was able to do everything Kierstyn can do (little more outgoing) plus catch the bean bag 3 times, do a full skip, twiddle thumbs and cut a straight line. This was really good for their age level!

Language was a little harder for them being that it is geared for ages four and up, but they did well. Kierstyn knew her first name, her age, and that she was a girl. She was able to articulate 18 out 0f 26 letters and indentify the objects and actions of an apple, plane, car, and pencil. She told them what to do if your thirsty and sang the alphabet to the letter "D" before getting bored and saying "I'm done now." Kariana seemed to forget what she was doing at this booth, because she forgot her name, age, and sex and could only sing the alphabet to the letter "B." She was able to identify the objects and actions of an apple, plane, and car but was unable to tell someone wht to do if they are thirsty.

Concepts was a little harder, because most of it is timed, but they did very good for their age! Both of them were able to name their body parts, colors (not the timed part though), count to 10, and were able to display understandings of positional words such as in front of or beside.

Overall they did great! Now, due to the abundance of kids and not so many positions, we have to wait till next Tuesday to see if they get in. The school trys to offer the services to 4-5 year olds (getting ready for Kindergarten) and lower scores on the Dial-3 first, because they feel like they need it more. They do fill in any extra spots with higher scores and three year olds if possible or place you on a wait list if all else fails. They really try to help as many as possible without hurting the kids in the process. We'll cross our fingers, But won't worry to much if they don't make it. They are only 3!