Accuracy and Efficiency of the Speech Language Early Literacy Screening Checklist for Korean Children Aged 5–6 Years Before School Entry

What is already known on this subject Early identification of speech, language, and literacy difficulties is essential for academic and social development. Approximately 10%-20% of preschoolers experience such challenges, which can lead to long-term educational and psychosocial difficulties. While various developmental screening tools exist, they often lack a specific focus on key linguistic domains for children nearing school entry. In South Korea, there is no standardised screening tool for 5- to 6-year-olds. The Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist was developed to address this gap, demonstrating initial reliability and validity, but further validation is needed to confirm its diagnostic accuracy.What this study adds to existing knowledge This study confirms the Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist as a valid and reliable tool for identifying preschool-aged children at risk for language and literacy difficulties. The checklist demonstrated strong clinical accuracy, with high sensitivity and specificity, making it effective for early detection. Additionally, it highlights the need for domain-specific cut-off scores to enhance diagnostic precision. By facilitating timely intervention before school entry, this screening tool provides a practical solution for educators and clinicians, helping to mitigate long-term academic and social challenges associated with early speech and language delays.What are the potential or actual clinical implication of this work? The Speech Language and Early Literacy Screening Checklist provides a clinically valid and reliable tool for early identification of at-risk children before school entry. Its high sensitivity ensures that most children with speech, language, or literacy difficulties receive timely intervention. The checklist can be effectively utilised in preschool settings by educators and clinicians to support early screening and referral. Additionally, refining cut-off scores for specific domains may further improve diagnostic accuracy. Future research should explore its application across diverse populations and its long-term impact on academic and social outcomes, strengthening early intervention strategies in clinical and educational settings.