This is what happens here in Michigan: Our health departments are required to offer hearing and vision screening once between age 3-5, in Kindergarten, hearing in 2nd and 4th, and vision in 1st, 3rd, 5th 7th 9th. In most schools, the health department comes to school to complete these free screenings. While it is never specifically stated, I suppose a parent could opt out. We note the screening in our parent handbook, and it appears on the school calendar and newsletters, so parents are well-aware of the event. In the case of my (public) school specifically, there are always two screeners, and they take small groups of children (6-8) with them. If they need to re-screen a screener takes an individual student, but she is testing in a room with her partner. I did find something that says state employees with 'clinical contact' would have background checks, but if that applies, or to what degree, to the hearing and vision screeners, I don't know.
This year, SIX of my 16 preschool students received medical referrals for hearing loss! I can't wait to see what the vision screening finds when they come. I am so thankful for this service!
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Jackie Dziedziula
Berkley MI
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 06:44 AM
From: Gina James
Subject: eye exam at school
Hi Lourdes,
Sounds a bit odd, though whenever I took my class for eye exams I did not go in with them either; however, there were quite a few "examiners" so children were not alone with one adult. Also, my school did not inform parents unless there was a problem with the exam. I guess they do not need parental permission, though I am not positive about that either. I would double check the school's / director's policies on such matters just to be on the safe side. It never hurts to ask.
Gina James
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Gina James
Teacher
NYCDOE
Williston Pk NY
Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 01:04 AM
From: Lourdes Sanchez Calle
Subject: eye exam at school
Today in my elementary school. Children had an eye exam with a doctor in the nurse office without any school personal. Children were in group of 3 peers and their parents didn´t have any information about that. I am new at the school, is this normal?
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Lourdes Sanchez Calle
educator
Los Angeles CA
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