Aim: To determine the status of children's growth and development, visual acuity and blood pressure at four to six years of age.
Methods: This descriptive study included 447 children enrolled in kindergartens in Turkey. Height, weight, developmental level, visual acuity and blood pressure of each child were assessed.
Results: Most children were in the normal ranges for height and weight. Application of the Denver II Developmental Test revealed no children in the abnormal category. The authors identified 66 children (14.8 per cent) with visual acuity problems. Five children (1.1 per cent) had systolic blood pressures above the recommended value for their age.
Conclusion: A preschool screening programme is needed when children begin education, either kindergarten or primary school.