Early Learning Evaluation Center

The Early Learning Evaluation Center offers developmental screenings, multidisciplinary evaluations and consultation services for young children suspected of having delays or disabilities. We screen and evaluate pre-kindergarten children to help identify their educational needs and determine if they qualify for special education services through the School District of Manatee County.   

All services are free and available to any non-enrolled child ages three to five living in Manatee County suspected of having a delay or disability. 

Developmental Screenings
Parents or others may notice concerning behaviors or a lack of skills unlike other children of the same age. A developmental screening may be helpful in determining if the child is experiencing a problem in one or more areas of development. This may include fine or gross motor skills, language understanding and use, speech or problem-solving skills. Developmental screenings are conducted by a Child Find Specialist from Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS).

Multi-Disciplinary Evaluations
Multi-Disciplinary Evaluations can help determine if young children suspected of having delays or disabilities qualify for special education services before Kindergarten. Depending on the child’s needs, one or more of the following evaluations would be scheduled:

• Speech/Language
• Developmental
• Social Work
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Vision & Hearing Screening
  
  

Parent Involvement
Parent participation is a very important and necessary part of the evaluation process.

Parents will:

• Provide consent for evaluation and permission to obtain records
• Share concerns and perspectives
• Possess expert knowledge about what their child can and cannot do
• Participate in the evaluations and conference

Early Learning Taskforce Panel