City of Chattanooga

Head Start and Early Head Start

Developmental Screenings

We use research-based, early childhood screeners to screen each child to find out if they are functioning in the typical range for their age level. These tools take into account both classroom performance and parent input and measure areas of thinking, language skills, self-help skills, social emotional skills, and motor skills. After the screening, we meet with the parents to discuss the findings. If there are any concerns, the teachers and parents will discuss a plan of action, sometimes including referrals for more in- depth assessment.

Speech and Language Screenings

We screen each child’s language development in all the languages they speak. The research-based speech and language screener tool we use checks to ensure speech sounds, words, and how vocabulary is used is in the typical range for children of that age. After the screening, we meet with the parents to discuss the findings. If there are any concerns, the teachers and parents will discuss a plan of action, sometimes including referrals to the Hamilton County School System or Tennessee Early Intervention Services for more in-depth assessments.

Hearing and Vision Screenings

With the consent of parents, each child participates in a hearing and vision screening shortly after enrollment. After our team of nurses and trained Family Support Advocates perform the screening, the parents are informed of the results. If the parents have any concerns, our staff will assist them in obtaining further evaluation and/or treatments by providing them with a referral to a qualified specialist.