Screening Schedule

Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening 

Public and Private Schedule 

Screens should occur within 120 calendar days of the first attendance day in each of those grades to allow for early intervention if a problem is found.

Licensed Child Care Centers / Licensed Child Care Homes

 

*Statement regarding Head Start/ Early Head Start

 Early Head Starts and Head Starts should follow the same screening schedule as a Licensed Child Care Center. Facilities are encouraged to screen all children younger than 4 years of age who can reliably respond to the screening tests outlined in the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) vision and hearing screening protocols. If the child is unable to be screened, they should be referred out to their primary care provider.

Screening Recommendations for Vision and Hearing: 

 

 

DSHS Recommends Screening When –

•A child returns to school after having a communicable disease that may affect the eye (or ask screening questions).

•A child is referred by teachers, parents, or others.

•A child must repeat a grade and has not been screened within the last year.

Screening Recommendations for Spinal:

Recommendation:

A child is referred by teachers, parents, or others.

If there was no recent screening available, or unsure of when the last screening took place. 

Exemptions

Private Schools or Child Care Centers: 

A child is exempt from screening if –

  • The child was screened during the grade year in question or the previous year. Parents must submit records.
  • The child will be screened by a person other than the screener used by the facility as soon as possible. Parents must submit records.
  • The parent/guardian submits an affidavit stating the screening conflicts with their religious beliefs/practices. The affidavit must be notarized.
  • The facility may admit the child on a provisional basis for up to 60 days or may deny the child admission until the screening results are provided.