The goal of the HAAN FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN is  to identify children with learning differences and those at-risk for reading failure before they begin the first grade; before the system grinds them down; before they lose their self-esteem and desire to learn.

As a parent, teacher or caregiver, you can greatly help accomplish this goal. Although, all children are different, there are behavior patterns that manifest themselves more predominately in children with learning differences. We have listed some very common behavioral traits that will serve as red-flags for parents and teachers.

Use the checklist below, designed for pre-school children, to help indentify your child's strengths and weaknesses. If several areas are difficult for your child, we ask you to seek professional assistance.

Language

1.	Can repeat nursery rhymes		Yes   No
2.	Will pick up a book on his or her own during free play		Yes   No
3.	Understands questions that are asked		Yes   No
4.	Can follow directions in sequence		Yes   No
5.	Can hear and repeat the differences in sounds		Yes   No
6.	Knows the colors and can identify them quickly		Yes   No
7.	Knows letters and can identify them quickly		Yes   No
8.	Can sound out simple words		Yes   No
9.	Can tell a story or relate an experience		Yes   No

Ability to Focus

1.	Can wait for something without frustration		Yes   No
2.	Can complete a project and sit still for a story		Yes   No
3.	Will carry out request		Yes   No
4.	Takes a moment to think about actions		Yes   No
5.	Can focus without distractibility to complete a task		Yes   No

Ability to Remember Information

1.	Can remember events		Yes   No
2.	Can remember people's names and the names of places		Yes   No
3.	Can remember numbers and number concepts		Yes   No

Social Skills

1.	Can make and keep friends		Yes   No
2.	Shows ability to tolerate and accept rules		Yes   No
3.	Can accept changes in routine		Yes   No
4.	Can work cooperatively in a group		Yes   No
5.	Demonstrates good sportsmanship with peers		Yes   No
6.	Can control frustration without outbursts		Yes   No

Motor Skill Development

1.	Can walk, run and climb without difficulty		Yes   No
2.	Can dress themselves		Yes   No
3.	Can draw, write letters and cut paper objects		Yes   No
4.	Can play age-appropriate games		Yes   No

If your child is having difficulty with more than three of these tasks, please discuss the potential of learning differences with the child's pre-school or kindergarten teacher and pediatrician. Don't hesitate to seek assessment if progress is delayed or slow. The more quickly you can identify and provide instruction for a child, the more quickly they will soar to reach their potential!

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