screenings

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    Hearing and Vision Requirements:

    The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) chapter 37, RULE §37.25, indicates that all individuals admitted to the facility will comply with the screening requirements set forth by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 36. All enrolled children four years or older must be screened for vision and hearing issues within 120 calendar days of enrollment. If enrolled within 60 days of the date a facility closes for the summer, the child's vision and hearing must be tested within 120 days of the beginning of the following school year.    

    • 4-year-olds (after September 1) and older
      • enrolled for the first time 
    • Pre-K and Kindergartners
      • within 120 days of enrollment
    • All first-time entrants 
      • 4 year olds through 12th grade 
    • 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th graders 
      • Anytime within the school year (preferably in the first 120 days of enrollment or within the first semester)
      • Although not required by Chapter 36, Department of Family and Protective Services licensed child care centers and licensed child care homes are encouraged to screen all children younger than 4 years of age who can reliably respond to the screening tests outlined in the Department of State Health Service's vision and hearing screening protocols. 

    For more information regarding the required screening guidelines in the State of Texas, please refer to the following website: https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=N&p_rloc=168293&p_tloc=&p_ploc=1&pg=5&p_tac=&ti=25&pt=1&ch=37&rl=21

    Scoliosis Screening Requirements:

    Texas requires schools to screen students for abnormal spinal curvature, or scoliosis, to help identify students who may need treatment early. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and in compliance with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 37, all children shall undergo screening for abnormal spinal curvature in accordance with the following schedule:
    • Girls: Screened twice
      • 1st time: age 10 (or in the fall semester of grade 5) 
      • 2nd time: age 12 (or in the fall semester of grade 7)
    • Boys: Screened once
      • Age 13 or 14 (in the fall semester of grade 8)

    Grade-based screening is considered an acceptable alternative to age-based screening in a school setting.  The grades, however, must align with the professionally recommended ages so that most children are screened at the appropriate age, or as close to that as reasonably possible.

     

    For more information regarding hearing, vision, and spinal screening guidelines in the State of Texas, please refer to the link:

    VHS Screening Requirements