Introduction

Impaired vision and/or hearing can drastically impact a child's ability to learn. At SPPS, school health office staff are trained to identify vision and hearing issues and to work with families to find solutions. We routinely screen students onsite at school.

Vision Screening

Vision is screened routinely by Health and Wellness staff and in collaboration with community partners such as Phillips Eye Institute and Helen Keller International:

- In grades K, 1, 3, 5 and 7 (when resources are available)

- When parents/guardians/students or school staff have concerns

- With special education referrals and evaluations

Hearing Screening

Hearing is screened routinely by Health and Wellness staff:

- In grades K and 1 (for students who do not have a previous school hearing screening)

- When parents/guardians or school staff have concerns

- With special education referrals and evaluations

Communication

Parents/guardians will be notified by Health and Wellness staff when students do not pass screenings and are recommended for further evaluation of vision or hearing.

Resources

To learn more, visit the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website:

• Link: Vision Screening: Children Post Newborn Through 20 Years of Age
• Link: Hearing Screening: Children After the Newborn Period Through Age 20 Years