Lake County Gazette

Lake Forest Schools have announced that District 67 is offering free behavioral and developmental screenings for children aged 3 to 5 who reside within the district boundaries. Appointments are required for these screenings.

According to Lake Forest School District 67, these free early childhood behavioral and developmental screenings are intended for families living within District 67 whose children attend daycare, preschool, or receive care at home. The screenings provide young children and their families an opportunity to connect with services and programs that support early learning and development while assisting parents or guardians in better understanding their child’s health and growth. Screenings are scheduled for August 28, 2025; October 17, 2025; November 18, 2025; January 6, 2026; February 17, 2026; and April 14, 2026.

The screenings are part of Child Find, a federally mandated process designed to identify children who may have developmental delays or disabilities that could affect their learning and success in school. This helps determine if further evaluation or support is needed. Through partnerships with local private schools, some families living outside district boundaries may also qualify. Eligibility is confirmed based on the child’s school and home address during registration.

Lake Forest Schools clarify that this screening is not a Kindergarten readiness assessment and is not intended for current or incoming Kindergarten students. Once registered, families receive a confirmation with their appointment time—scheduled for either 8:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., or 10:15 a.m.—and the screening typically lasts about 45 minutes.

Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 serves approximately 1,600 students in grades Pre-K through eight. The district includes three elementary schools—Cherokee Elementary (K-4), Everett Elementary (K-4), and Sheridan Elementary (Pre-K-4)—as well as Deer Path Middle School (grades five through eight). Known for its innovative instructional practices, District 67 emphasizes inclusive education and personalized learning experiences that support academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development. The district’s mission is to inspire and empower students to maximize growth and cultivate respect for others in a dynamic, safe learning environment.