Health Screenings
These state-required screenings will be performed during the school year. Any problems or concerns identified during these screenings will be reported to the parent/guardian and will be referred to a professional for further evaluation.
Vision and Hearing Screening
The Vision and Hearing Screening Program, Texas Health and Safety Code requires that all children enrolled for the first time in any public, private, parochial, or denominational school or in a Department of Family and Protective Services licensed child-care center and licensed child care home in Texas, or who meet certain grade criteria (specified below), must be screened or have a professional examination for possible vision and hearing problems.
- 4-years-old by September 1st
- Kindergartners
- Any other first-time entrants
- (4 years* through 12th grade) must be screened within 120 days of admission
- 1st-, 3rd-, 5th- and 7th--graders must be screened anytime within the school year (preferably within first semester)
Acanthosis Nigricans
(Risk Assessment for Type II Diabetes)
Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes in Children (Acanthosis Nigricans) An online certification training program to perform the Acanthosis Nigricans Screening is available through the University of Texas – Pan American website at the following web link. Information on screening requirements and data submission is also available on the Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes in Children website.
Spinal Screening
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Spinal Screening Program was established by the Texas Legislature to detect abnormal spinal curvature in students. School-based spinal screening helps to identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curves and refer them for appropriate follow-up by their primary care physician. Screening can detect scoliosis at an early stage, when the curve is mild and may go unnoticed. Early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities.
The Spinal Screening Policy has been reviewed and updated regarding ages and grades to be screened for the 2024-2025 school year. 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 will be screened two times, once at age 10 (or fall semester of grade 5) and again at age 12 (or fall semester of grade 7).
•Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14 (or fall semester of grade 8).
It is incumbent on schools to identify outliers (i.e., children promoted to higher grades or held back) and ensure their screenings align with appropriate ages rather than grades.
The Spinal Screening Policy has been reviewed and updated regarding ages and grades to be screened for the 2024-2025 school year. 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 will be screened two times, once at age 10 (or fall semester of grade 5) and again at age 12 (or fall semester of grade 7).
•Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14 (or fall semester of grade 8).
It is incumbent on schools to identify outliers (i.e., children promoted to higher grades or held back) and ensure their screenings align with appropriate ages rather than grades.