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Free Developmental Screening Clinic in Lee County: Supporting Your Child’s Growth and Success


As parents, caregivers, and educators, we all want children to thrive. Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes questions arise about speech, movement, learning, behavior, or social skills. If you have concerns about your child's development as it would relate to school readiness, the Lee County Schools Pre-K Screening Clinic offers a free opportunity to receive guidance and support from a team of professionals dedicated to helping young children succeed.

What Is the Lee County Pre-K Screening Clinic?

The Lee County Schools Pre-K Screening Clinic is a free developmental screening program for children ages 3–5 who reside in Lee County, North Carolina. The clinic is designed to identify children who may benefit from additional evaluation or special education services before entering kindergarten.

The screening team evaluates the child as a whole, looking at several important areas of development, including:

  • Cognitive and learning skills

  • Communication and speech-language development

  • Fine motor skills

  • Gross motor skills

  • Self-help and daily living skills

  • Social and emotional development

The goal is not to diagnose a condition but to determine whether further assessment or support services may be beneficial.

Why Early Identification Matters

Research consistently shows that early intervention can significantly improve a child's long-term outcomes. When developmental concerns are identified early, families can access resources and services that help children build the skills needed for school readiness and everyday success.

Early support may help children:

  • Improve communication skills

  • Develop stronger movement and coordination abilities

  • Enhance social interactions

  • Increase independence in daily activities

  • Prepare for a successful transition to kindergarten

The earlier concerns are addressed, the more opportunities children have to develop critical foundational skills.

Who Participates in the Screening?

The clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals from Lee County Schools, including:

  • Birth-to-Kindergarten Teacher

  • Speech-Language Pathologist

  • School Psychologist

  • Occupational Therapist

  • Physical Therapist

This collaborative approach allows families to receive feedback from professionals representing multiple areas of child development.

When Should Parents Consider a Screening?

A screening may be helpful if your child:

  • Is not meeting developmental milestones

  • Has difficulty communicating wants and needs

  • Falls frequently or struggles with balance and coordination

  • Has difficulty using hands for play, feeding, or self-care tasks

  • Struggles to interact with peers

  • Has difficulty following directions

  • Demonstrates delays in learning or problem-solving skills

  • Has concerns raised by a pediatrician, daycare provider, or preschool teacher

Even if you are unsure whether your concerns are significant, a screening can provide valuable information and peace of mind.

What Should Families Bring?

To participate in the screening clinic, families should bring:

  • Child's Birth Certificate

  • Parent or Guardian Identification

  • Proof of Lee County residency, such as:

    • Utility bill

    • Lease agreement

    • Mortgage statement

Having these documents available helps ensure the screening process runs smoothly.

Clinic Location

Lee County Schools Central Office: 901 Lawrence StreetSanford, NC 27330

Screening Hours

  • 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

  • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

2026–2027 Screening Dates

Families may attend any of the following screening clinics:

  • June 10, 2026

  • July 8, 2026

  • August 19, 2026

  • September 9, 2026

  • October 14, 2026

  • November 18, 2026

  • December 9, 2026

  • January 13, 2027

  • February 10, 2027

  • March 10, 2027

  • April 14, 2027

  • May 12, 2027

  • June 9, 2027

What Happens After the Screening?

Following the screening, families will receive recommendations from the team. Depending on the results, recommendations may include:

  • Continued monitoring of development

  • Strategies to support skill development at home

  • Referral for a comprehensive evaluation

  • Consideration for preschool special education services through Lee County Schools

For additional information about the Pre-K Screening Clinic, contact:

Natalie White📞 919-774-4634


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