VHSS Screening Schedule
Vision and Hearing Screening Schedule
The requirements for VISION AND HEARING SCREENING apply each year for children enrolled in any licensed child care center, child care home, or school program at the ages or grades listed below:
Who Must Be Screened? |
When Must Screening Be Done?
|
|---|---|
4 years old by Sept. 1 |
Screens should occur within 120 calendar days of the first attendance day.
|
Kindergartners | |
Any other first-time entrants (4 years through 12th grade) | |
Grades 1, 3, 5, 7 | Screening 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 (but can occur at any time).
|
Spinal Screening Schedule
The requirements for SPINAL SCREENING apply each year for all children who attend public and private schools, to detect abnormal spinal curvature in accordance with the following schedule:
Who Must Be Screened? |
When Must Screening Be Done?
|
|---|---|
Girls two times | age 10 (or fall semester of grade 5) age 12 (or fall semester of grade 7) |
Boys one time | age 13 or 14 Boys one time (or fall semester of grade 8) |
It is incumbent on schools to identify outliers (i.e., children promoted to higher grades or held back) and ensure their screenings align with appropriate ages rather than grades
Licensed Child Care Centers / Licensed Child Care Homes
| Who Must Be Screened? | When Must Screening Be Done? |
|---|---|
| 4 years old by September 1 | Screens should occur within 120 calendar days of the first attendance day. |
| Any other first-time entrants (4 years through 12th grade) |
*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:
- Public Schools: Facilities must comply with SB 12 requirements for those students that opt-in or opt out of school health screenings.
- SB 12: Required Parental Rights Form and Right to Health-Related Services Information | Texas Education Agency
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.
Last review and update 7/29/26.