The Swedish government has initiated efforts to assess the Swedish language skills of young children, aiming to identify early on which children may require additional support in their language development. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) highlighted that many children enter preschool and school without adequate Swedish language proficiency, which he argues can lead to early exclusion from society. He describes the initiative as a vital investment for health, integration, and social cohesion.

Currently, most child health centers assess general speech and language development; however, the proposed screenings will focus specifically on proficiency in the Swedish language. An investigator will be assigned to propose how these tests can be structured, with recommendations expected to be submitted by August 24 this year. In conjunction with this, there are ongoing investigations into the possibility of a mandatory language preschool program, with proposals anticipated in June.

This initiative underscores the Swedish government's recognition of the importance of language skills in early childhood education, particularly for children from immigrant backgrounds or those at risk of lagging behind. Early identification and support have the potential to significantly enhance children’s futures and contribute to a more integrated society, allowing all children to thrive academically and socially.