This annual initiative, coordinated by the Special Education Unit, is designed to evaluate children in their final year of preschool who are scheduled to begin kindergarten in September. The exercise introduces students to structured, age-appropriate activities that assess core competencies critical for early learning. Trained educators from each district will observe and record each child’s performance, focusing on key developmental milestones. The findings will be shared with the respective kindergarten teachers, equipping them with a clear understanding of their incoming students’ individual strengths and areas that may benefit from targeted support.

In addition to supporting educational planning, the PKSE serves a broader developmental purpose. It helps determine whether children have accessed essential health services, including required immunizations, as well as the Ministry of Health’s three and five-year assessments. Where gaps are identified, parents and guardians will be guided toward the appropriate services to ensure their child is fully prepared for school entry.

Introduced in 2016, the national Pre-Kindergarten Screening Exercise has become an integral part of Saint Lucia’s early childhood education framework. The program experienced a brief suspension in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has since resumed as a critical tool for early intervention and support.

The Department of Education, Innovation and Vocational Training encourages all parents and guardians to ensure their child’s participation in this important exercise. Early identification of developmental needs lays the foundation for academic success and supports a smoother transition into formal education.

For further information, please contact the Special Education Unit at 468-5444 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Press Release