Parents, we value the children in our community and treat them as our own. Thank you in advance for trusting us to prevent risks to their health and well-being!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the term “screening” mean?
A screening is a simple test performed by a healthcare professional to assess whether your child needs further evaluation from a physician. A screening is not used to diagnose, but rather to identify any potential issues.
Why is it important for my child to be screened?
A child’s body changes and develops at a rapid pace, which means annual screenings are necessary to catch any hearing or vision deficits that may pop up as he or she grows. Difficulties with hearing and vision can be subtle, and a parent or teacher may not recognize that a problem exists. If a child is spending extra energy to compensate for a hearing or vision deficit, they may be struggling to comprehend learning material, which may affect their school performance and confidence now and in the future.
Why is it necessary for my child to be screened at school?
School screenings are helpful to parents because they are done during the school day, which is cost effective (often cheaper than a doctor’s office visit copay) and convenient for both you and your child because neither of you have to miss work, school or other activities.
What are you screening for specifically?
We screen primarily for hearing and/or vision deficits. We screen also for early onset hypertension (high blood pressure), which is rare but very important to catch early.
What if my child has been screened by their physician in the past year?
It never hurts to be re-screened to document any changes since the doctor’s visit, or you can always choose to opt out of the school screening. You may also want to provide documentation of the doctor’s screening results to the school so they can keep it in your child’s health file.
Is there anything I can do to prepare my child? What if my child is scared of the screening?
There is nothing physically you need to do to prepare, but it can be helpful for you to explain before what will occur and why. Oftentimes, a frightened child may become more at ease after watching a friend get screened. We make every effort possible to make the screenings feel comfortable and fun, and we are sure to stay with them every step of the way.
Should my child wear their glasses during the screening?
Yes. We want to make sure the child’s current prescription is working well for them.
What do I do if my child doesn’t pass the screening?
If your child’s hearing screening is abnormal, we will rescreen two to four weeks after to ensure that fluid in the ears or congestion didn’t create a false result. If the screening is abnormal twice in a row, we recommend you speak to your doctor about further testing. If your child does not pass a vision screening, we will provide a referral to an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Your child’s pediatrician may find that the suspected abnormality isn’t serious after all.
Can I be involved in the screenings?
Yes, of course! We love when parents volunteer. Just send us an email if you’re interested, and we will be happy to make arrangements for you to be there.
Why do you not provide scoliosis screenings?
Mass scoliosis screening is no longer the preferred method because studies have shown there are many false positives. It is recommended that a pediatrician examine your child if you are concerned he or she may have scoliosis.
Disclaimer: Information provided on this website is for your convenience, and should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.