Kings Early Years Screening for School (KEYSS)

Who normally comes to a KEYSS clinic?

A KEYSS clinic is for any three and four year old child in Kings County. The child and parent/caregiver come together to a clinic.

How long would I be there with my child?

A parent or caregiver bring a child to a clinic and are there for about an hour and a half to two hours.

What is the reason for these clinics?

The reasons we have these clinics are:

- To provide information to parents/caregivers to help their child be ready for school.

- Assist families in knowing what programs and services are available in Kings County for all preschool children.

- If a child is experiencing any developmental delays or difficulties, the family can be directed towards a helpful service provider in the community.

When and where are the clinics?

KEYSS clinics happen in eight schools in Kings County, and clinics will take place in the FALL of 2012.

What are the 'Clinic' like?

At the clinic the parent/caregiver and child will be greeted at the door and the child will be given a school bus to wear. As each station is visited, a sticker is placed in the window of the school bus. The parents can receive information at each booth, and have the opportunity to speak various professionals regarding their child’s development. Pictures will also be taken (with signed parental consent) and given to the parents at check-out so that the child can review their visit to “big kid school” at home with other relatives. The parents will receive a take-home information package, along with information from each individual station. At the check-out station, the parent/caregiver will be asked to fill out a feed-back form.

What are the stations?

KEYSS 2011 Community Partners:

Valley Child Development Association - developmental station
KingsTec Early Childhood Education Department - registration, play station, family guides
Annapolis Valley Regional School Board - hosts clinics, Reading, School Readiness and Vision station
Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres - speech/language station
Annapolis Valley Child and Youth Mental Health - preschool behaviours station
Department of Health and Wellness and Town Recreation Dept - preschool physical activity station
Chrysalis House - program information station
Kings County Family Resource Centre - preschool programs station
Annapolis Valley Regional Library - literacy and preschool programs station
Valley Community Learning Association - family literacy station
Early Childhood Development Support Centre - Kingstec - childcare facility station
Valley Dentists and dental hygienists - dental health station
Annapolis Valley Health - Preschool Nutrition station
Katherine McKee - Vision Station

How did other families feel about past KEYSS Clinics?

Feedback From Past KEYSS Clinics:

“Very informative on all topics”
“Good to connect with community resources and services”
“Learning and vision referrals – it was fun for my child”
“Knowing my child is on par developmentally”
“One on one format, not rushed”
“Hearing and speech testing and developmental screening”
“Confirming that kids can work with other adults, listen and follow directions”
“Knowing what areas I need to work on with my child”
“Pleasant staff”
“Fantastic! Keep up the good work!”
“Help with potty training and development”

Should I register my child, or just drop in to a clinic?

Registration begins in the Spring of 2012!

Contact information for Registration for KEYSS Clinics:

RaeAnne Bekkers - KEYSS Coordinator

Valley Child Development Association

(902) 678-6111

r.bekkers@ns.aliantzinc.ca

You can also register by clicking HERE