Because they have nothing to compare it to, young children can have hearing and vision problems and never even know it. Children entering school with undiagnosed hearing or vision problems will often have trouble learning, including reading or hearing teachers’ instructions.

To avoid these problems and make sure that children entering school are ready to read, listen and learn, it is important that their hearing and vision is screened by a professional before entering kindergarten.

Not only is hearing and vision screening important to make sure children are ready to learn, it is also a Michigan State Law. Since Oct. 11, 1996, Michigan House Bill 5094 has required that children entering kindergarten present a statement signed by a professional to school officials confirming that they have received hearing and vision screening. The exact wording of the law is “A parent, guardian or person in loco parentis applying to have a child registered for the first time in kindergarten or first grade in a school in this state shall present to school officials, at the time of registration, or not later than the first day of school, a certificate of hearing and vision testing or screening, or statement of exemption under Section 9311.”

The required hearing and vision screening may be done free by a certified Hearing and Vision Technician from the Berrien County Health Department at one of our community clinics located throughout the county. A signed hearing and vision screening statement may also be obtained by a family physician, pediatrician or an eye doctor.

According to Dr. Frederick Johansen, medical director for the health department, the vision and hearing screenings are required by the public health code. Johansen also encourages parents who have children 3? years or older that will be attending a preschool program this fall to have their children screened at one of the upcoming clinics. He encourages home-schooled children ages 3-5 to participate in the hearing and vision screenings as well. If a child had previously been screened between the ages of 3 and 5 prior to entering kindergarten, it is not necessary to repeat it.

The parent should provide to the school one of the following documents:

• A preschool screening form completed by a Berrien County Health Department certified hearing and vision technician.  The form is available on the Berrien County Health Department Web page at www.bchdmi.org, click on Hearing and Vision Program link
The back section of the green physical form completed by the family physician, pediatrician or technician

• A letter or statement from an eye doctor

• A form provided from Headstart that indicates hearing and vision was done

• A written and signed statement from the parent that their child may not be screened due to religious convictions

The best time to have your child screened is spring or summer so if there is a problem there is enough time to receive treatment if necessary, before school starts.

Local screening schedule:

• Northside Child Development Center, Niles, Monday, May 9, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Moccasin Elementary, Buchanan, Tuesday, May 24, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

No appointment is necessary. For questions, call 684-2800 ext. 6525.