Somerville Will Offer Free Developmental Screenings

Children ages 3 to 5 can access free developmental screenings at the Capuano Early Childhood Center.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Child Care

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring a stack of colorful wooden building blocks, representing early childhood developmental progress. — Somerville Public Schools is launching free developmental screenings for children ages 3 to 5 to help identify early support needs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Somerville Public Schools will provide free developmental screenings for children ages 3 to 5 who are not currently enrolled in public programs. These optional sessions help identify potential needs for special education services early in a child's development.

Why it matters

Early identification through screening allows parents to connect children with necessary support services sooner. These assessments provide a baseline for developmental progress and help determine if a child requires further evaluation for specialized educational resources.

The school department offers optional, free developmental screenings for children ages 3 to 5, including private and home-schooled kindergartners. The effectiveness of such screening programs in identifying early special education needs is established through ongoing municipal surveillance.

The players

Somerville Public Schools

The local educational authority responsible for managing and conducting developmental screenings for city residents.

Capuano Early Childhood Center

The designated facility located at 150 Glen Street where all developmental screening services take place.

The details

Trained professionals perform these assessments at the Capuano Early Childhood Center to evaluate a child's developmental progress across key growth areas. The process is designed to detect early indicators that may warrant a more comprehensive evaluation for special education services. Families must register in advance to secure an appointment, ensuring that the school system can manage the capacity of the assessment center effectively.

October 28, 2026, for preschool children and private school kindergarten students.
January 13, 2027, for preschool children.
March 3, 2027, for preschool children.
Screenings run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on all scheduled dates.

Health Landscape

This program follows the pattern set by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) child find mandate, which requires school districts to identify children needing special services. It represents a local effort to bridge the gap between early childhood development and formal educational support.

If you have concerns about your child's developmental progress, these screenings offer a practical way to gain professional insight. Discussing your child's growth patterns with your pediatrician prior to the appointment can help you prepare questions for the screening staff.

The takeaway

Early screenings provide a valuable opportunity to assess a child's developmental trajectory and access potential support services. If you have questions about whether your child would benefit from an evaluation, contact the school department at (617) 629-5670 x3652 for more information.