Vision, hearing, and dental screenings will be conducted in the district as part of the overall health services program. Such screenings will be administered in accordance with state law. When appropriate, other screenings deemed beneficial to students may be performed in the school health program.

When these screenings cannot be performed by district staff, the board authorizes the superintendent to identify healthcare service providers to provide them. Such healthcare service providers shall be required to enter into a contract with the district prior to providing any screenings or other services to students in the school setting.

Vision Screenings

Basic vision screenings shall be provided to students without charge according to the following schedule:

• Annually for every child participating in IDEA part B programs;

• At least once each school year for students in kindergarten and grades one, two, three, five, seven, and ten;

• Within the first year of enrollment in the district;

• Upon request by the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in an accredited nonpublic school who resides in the school district.

These basic vision screenings shall be performed by a vision screener designated by the board, who shall follow current state vision screening guidelines for performing the screenings. The results of the screening and, if necessary, referral for an examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shall be reported to the parents or guardians of the student. Any referral shall not show a preference in favor of any particular ophthalmologist or optometrist to provide an additional examination.

While not part of the board provided vision screening program, each student needing assistance in achieving mastery of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills shall be encouraged to obtain an eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine if the student suffers from conditions impairing the ability to read. Expense for such an examination, if not reimbursed through Medicaid, private insurance, or any other governmental or private program, shall be the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian.

Hearing Screening

Each year hearing screening procedures will be conducted for students in their first year of school attendance in the district. Such procedures will be provided for other students at a frequency of not less than once every three years unless otherwise specified by state law. Students known to have hearing difficulties and students referred by teachers, parents, and/or physicians will be screened regardless of grade level.

Under certain conditions, hearing screening services are provided for students residing within district boundaries who are enrolled in accredited non-public schools. These services are coordinated between the administration of the accredited nonpublic school and district administration and require a request from the student’s parent or guardian. Implementation of the program for nonpublic school students follows the same guidelines as for district students.

The results of the test and, if necessary, the desirability of examinations by a qualified physician shall be reported to the parents or guardians of students screened.

Dental Screenings

Free dental inspections will be provided to students annually, planned for by designated school staff, and conducted by appropriate dental care providers. Students presenting a certificate from a legally qualified dentist providing that a dental examination was completed in the three months prior to the school dental inspection need not be provided with an inspection.

A certificate of the result of a school dental inspection, together with suggestions of requirements for the curing of any defects found, shall be made by the dental care provider making such inspection. One copy of this certificate is to be furnished to the child examined, and another will be filed with the clerk of the board. No dental work other than the inspection and provision of the certificate shall be performed by the examining dental care provider without the consent of the parents or guardian of the child.

Selected Screenings

Other screening procedures may be deemed appropriate and beneficial to students. Designated staff will assist in the planning and implementation of other screening programs following standard procedures.

Screening results and referrals, when necessary, will be communicated to parents.

In accordance with state law, the parent or guardian of any child entering school for the first time shall be informed of the availability of sickle cell screening and of the location of the nearest facility providing blood tests for sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia.