The goal of Minnesota's Early Childhood Screening (ECS) program is to identify normal aspects of a child's health and development while sorting out potential problems that need further evaluation. In addition, all parents are linked to resources in the school and community to enhance their child's development and their own parenting skills. This handbook describes the requirements of the ECS programs; delineates activities required in program planning, delivery, evaluation, and reporting; specifies standards and preferred practice for screening and referral; and describes the concepts and principles that are the basis for ECS. Chapter 1, "Early Childhood Screening Program," describes ECS and the Child and Teen Checkup programs. Chapter 2, "ECS Program Administration," discusses annual planning and annual summary reports. Chapter 3, "ECS Program Implementation: Checklist for ECS Program," details the program requirements and steps for program implementation. Included are coordination/planning; evaluating, screening implementation, including outreach, screening, and follow-up; and data, records, and reporting. Chapter 4, "Introduction to Concepts Core to ECS," describes seven conceptual frameworks underlying the design of ECS, supporting its implementation, and guiding local and state evaluation efforts. The seven frameworks are: (1) prevention concepts; (2) screening principles; (3) development theory; (4) family factors; (5) health promotion; (6) problem solving; and (7) collaboration concepts. Eight appendices include Minnesota ECS and related education statutes and rules; implementation guidelines and tools; media resources; screening forms; pupil health information; annual report forms and instructions; contacts for Minnesota Early Childhood Screening Program, 1995; and a statewide summary. (KDFB)